Coronavirus Impact On Trump Administration: Masks Now Obligatory For White House Staff In West Wing

White House staff members are now required to wear a mask while in the West Wing, an executive office memo said Monday. The rule comes after two White House aides tested positive in the last week.

White House staffers will be provided a mask if they do not already own one, and are required to practice social distancing. Some employees in the West Wing will be tested daily for the virus, and are only allowed to take off the mask while sitting at their desks.

President Trump and Vice President Pence are also reportedly tested every day, with temperature checks and deep cleaning of office spaces a common occurrence at the White House.

The directive will not apply to Trump, who has frequently not worn a mask at public events, such as Tuesday’s visit to Honeywell’s mask-making plant in Phoenix.

In the past week, Trump’s personal valet tested positive for the virus, along with Pence’s press secretary. First daughter Ivanka Trump’s personal assistant has also tested positive, along with 11 Secret Service members.

President Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CBS News on Sunday that "it is scary to go into work" as the virus spreads. Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top member of the White House coronavirus task force, told CNN on Sunday that he would engage in a “modified quarantine” after making contact with a “low risk” staffer who had tested positive.

The U.S. currently has the most coronavirus cases in the world. As of 4:55 p.m. ET, the U.S. has 1,344,512 cases and a death toll of 80,087.