Melania Trump 'deserted' in White House as First Family orders staff to stay at home during coronavirus crisis
As social distancing measures take effect in the White House, Melania Trump is adjusting to a new way of life without staff.
According to Econotimes, it is safe to say that the First Lady and her immediate family have been "deserted" since non-essential staff members have been ordered to stay at home owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The White House is still running with minimum staff personnel, which means there will be people serving Melania, her husband President Donald Trump and their son Barron. But life inside the presidential home has drastically changed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Express, staff and workers who are usually working at the White House every day have been told not to come. Among those asked to stay at home are pastry chefs, cooks, calligraphers, florists, as well as Ricki Niceta, the social secretary of the White House, who is now working remotely.
The news of non-essential White House staff self-quarantining from home was confirmed by the first couple’s press secretary Stephanie Grisham.
“As with other times in recent history, such as government shutdowns, they're likely operating with just a core group of essential people,” a former senior staff at the executive home said on condition of anonymity. “The rest of the staff would be sent home, or on-call, to come in or rotate when needed," they added.
At the moment, President Trump and his wife have only two butlers at their service, considering most housekeepers were sent home to protect themselves from contracting the novel coronavirus.
Meanwhile, those still working in the White House are being checked for temperature every time they must enter the residence. Furthermore, they are directed to maintain at least a six-foot distance from the FLOTUS and POTUS.
Melania was all set to host the annual Easter Egg Roll at the South Lawn on April 13. However, the event — celebrated in the White House since 1878 — had to be canceled due to the pandemic. The First Lady announced on March 30 that they had decided it was best not to push through with it "out of an abundance of caution."
“The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,” USA Today quoted Melania Trump as saying. “I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term. During this time, I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials, and follow CDC guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone.”
The First Lady's office is responsible for organizing the annual egg roll event at the White House.
In recent days, Melania has repeatedly advised about the coronavirus crisis, urging American citizens to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines to avoid infection and "slow the spread." "With our lives changed dramatically, especially in the last few days, I encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines. Social distancing at this time is very important!" she wrote alongside a series of pictures.