Trump golfs at his course in Sterling, Virginia. (Photo via The Guardian)
US President Donald Trump visited one of his own private golf courses in Virginia on Saturday amid a rapid surge in coronavirus cases in some states across the country.
Trump has been roundly criticized for failing to lead during the coronavirus pandemic that has so far affected more than 2,596,700 and killed over 128,100, making it by far the worst hit country in the world.
He was criticized particularly for refusing to wear a mask, holding campaign rallies in coronavirus hot spots and touting unfounded conspiracy theories about cures, like using bleach.
On Saturday morning, Florida reported 9,585 new cases in the last 24 hours, a record for a second day, while Arizona saw 3,591 new infections, matching its prior record on Tuesday.
In Nevada, 1,099 new cases were reported on the same day, double its previous record, while South Carolina and Georgia recorded 1,604 and 1,990 new infections, respectively.
Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence canceled planned events to campaign for Trumps re-election next week in Florida and Arizona because of "an abundance of caution," according to campaign officials.
The surge in cases has been more noticeable in some Southern and Western states where businesses reopened and activities resumed.
Kami Kim, director of the Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine at the University of South Florida, criticized her states leaders for claiming victory too soon.
"It was just complete denial by a huge swath of the politicians," she said, predicting that the state may have to shut down again. "Unfortunately, our community still isnt taking it very seriously. People arent wearing masks."
Meanwhile, Washington state Governor Jay Inslee also said Saturday that his state would temporarily stop moving into the next stages of opening its economy as cases there are increasing.
Trumps trip to his golf course also came a day after he said he would stay in Washington DC to "make sure law and order is enforced" amid nationwide anti-racism protests.
He tweeted Friday night that he canceled a weekend trip to his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course due to the protests.
"I was going to go to Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend, but wanted to stay in Washington, D.C. to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced. The arsonists, anarchists, looters, and agitators have been largely stopped," he tweeted.
SOURCE: PRESS TV
LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/18946
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