Trump Holds First Coronavirus Briefing In Weeks, Acknowledges 'The Plague' Is Serious

At his first coronavirus briefing in weeks, President Trump took a much different tone than he had in the past, acknowledging the seriousness of what he called “the plague” and haranguing China for allowing the virus to escape and infect the world.

Trump acknowledged the situation likely would get worse before it gets better, but the goal remains to eradicate the virus.

“The goal is not merely to manage [the pandemic] but to end it,” Trump said. “That’s why getting a vaccine remains a top priority.”

The briefing came as the number of coronavirus infections neared 3.86 million in the U.S. Deaths from COVID-19 numbered 141,817. Some 57,777 new cases were reported Tuesday and 473 deaths were added.

Unlike past briefings, Trump made no new announcements. He was not surrounded by members of the coronavirus task force, many of whom are doctors who often gave advice at odds with what the president was saying.

Trump pulled a mask from his jacket pocket to show reporters he carries it around. He said he dons it when he’s in close proximity to others.

“I carry the mask,” Trump said when asked why he had not worn it at an appearance Monday night at the Trump International hotel. “I will use it gladly. If you can, use the mask. When you can, use the mask. When in a group, put it on.”

In a virtual monotone, Trump ran through a list of administration actions during the pandemic and again promised the virus, which he referred to as the “China virus,” would disappear.

“The plague came in. … It’s a shame it happened. It shouldn’t have happened,” Trump said.

Trump advised Americans to practice social distancing and handwashing in addition to wearing masks. He also advised young people to: “Be safe. Be smart. Avoid bars,” noting a spike in coronavirus cases among 18- to 35-year-olds.

The Washington Post reported Trump was opposed to providing $50 billion for COVID-19 testing in the next round of economic relief measures to be adopted by Congress. The president, however, told the briefing he had no objection to stepped up testing.

“If the doctors and professions feel – we’re at a level nobody ever dreamt possible – I’m for it,” Trump told reporters. “It’s a good thing if we can do it.”

He said more on-site testing that provides results in minutes instead of days would be deployed. He also said extra precautions would be taken to protect those in nursing homes and long-term care.

“We’re being very vigilant with nursing homes … so all staff and residents can be tested and isolated. … That’s really the high-risk people. People will be able to visit loved ones,” he said.

Trump also touted the economy, noting the number of jobs created in May and June and predicting a strong second half. He declined to say whether he would support extension of the $600 a week bonus being paid to those on unemployment rolls because of pandemic-related layoffs. That bonus expires at the end of the month.

“The economy is getting stronger. We want to have people want to go back to work rather than in a position where they are making more money” on unemployment.

He said lawmakers would make a presentation to him Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Experts told International Business Times allowing the bonus to expire would be devastating to the 25 million Americans receiving it and mean a $15 billion hit to the economy.