Posted on 03/16/2020 7:08:38 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
WASHINGTON - The White House put in place new measures Monday to protect President Donald Trump and his staff during the coronavirus outbreak, including taking the temperature of anyone who enters the complex, including visitors and members of the press corps.
The steps expanded on screenings the White House began on Saturday for anyone who gets close to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the administration’s response to the virus.
Officials greeted staff, reporters and camera workers by swiping their foreheads with a temporal thermometer. Only those with a reading of 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit or less were allowed entry into the complex.
“In order to keep the entire White House complex safe and healthy, beginning Monday morning, temperature checks will be conducted on everyone who enters campus,” spokesman Judd Deere said.
Inside the Brady Press Briefing Room, an orange sign taped to the back of many seats let reporters know that it was to remain unoccupied during briefings to ensure social distancing. The White House Correspondents’ Association called on all members to stay home or work remotely if they could do so and to keep a bare level of staffing at the White House.
“We understand these restrictions are deeply disruptive to our members and their ability to do their jobs. But we are forced to take these steps to do our part to ensure that there is a healthy pool available to cover the president and inform the public during this critical time,” the association’s board said in an overnight email.
The White House on Saturday began taking the temperature of reporters attending a coronavirus briefing led by Trump and Pence. One reporter with a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit was denied entry to the briefing room. Temperature checks were conducted before Sunday’s briefing, too.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.com ...
Have to admit, I had unpure thoughts when I saw that pic. Non-invasive frontal lobotomy? They can all be Joe but without the attitude.
I can’t post what I really thought when I saw this.
https://i.imgflip.com/3ssu5m.jpg
Trump, Pence and the virus task force should not be in a room with reporters AT ALL.
They should give an update once a day and accept questions via email or Skype.
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