Trump makes Melania face of coronavirus response as FLOTUS appears in new PSAs
Melania Trump on Thursday released a public service announcement (PSA) about COVID-19 on her Twitter account. In the one-minute-long video, filmed inside the White House, Melania has offered tips on ways people can stay connected and reminds them that we are all in this together.
“Today I want to speak with you about coronavirus and what means for you and your family. While changes need to be made now, this is not how we will live forever. Our children will return to school, people will return to work, and we will gather at the places of worship, concerts and sporting events again. I urge you to stay connected to family and loved ones through video chats, phone calls, social media, and other safe technologies,” the FLOTUS said.
“Stay safe. And remember while many of us are apart, we are all in this together,” she concluded.
The PSA will also be broadcasted during air time which is donated by the networks and other entities. Other officials including Surgeon General Jerome Adams, Dr Anthony Fauci, and Dr Deborah Birx are also working together to give Americans tips on how to handle the coronavirus outbreak.
As the coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected Americans, with more than 10,000 people now infected, President Donald Trump has faced severe criticism over the slow-build of his response. Even Melania has been slammed for remaining tight-lipped on the issue for long. She has also been compared to the other former first ladies who had always been at the forefront and found ways to help and console the nation in hard times.
It was only on March 12, when Melania shared her first social media post addressing the deadly virus. In her tweet, the 49-year-old also encouraged people to visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website for more information. “Our great country is fighting hard against the #Coronavirus. This nation is strong & ready & we will overcome. Please take action to prevent further spread. Visit http://cdc.gov for updated health info & updates,” she tweeted.
However, after her March 12 tweet, Melania has been more or less active about the virus on social media. She also thanked medical staff and doctors, nurses and the first responders for their work. “I want to take a moment to thank the medical staff, doctors, nurses & first responders who are working tirelessly to help keep our country healthy & safe,” she wrote on Twitter.
The first lady also offered tips for parents to help with their children's education amid school closings. “I know these can be trying times for parents & kids. I encourage students at all grade levels to continue their learning at home. Scholastic Learn At Home allows open access to daily learning,” she posted on Thursday.
Moreover, earlier this week, Melania also canceled the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, one of the biggest events for kids of the year. In an official statement, she said, “The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now. 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.”
This year, the Easter Egg Roll was scheduled for April 13 and was to take place on the South Lawn of the White House in which hundreds of children and their families mark their presence.
Meanwhile, last week, Donald Trump announced a 30-day travel ban to and from Europe. However, banning only applies to countries belonging to the 26-member Schengen passport-free zone, which does not include Britain and Ireland. During the announcement, he also said that he would ask Congress to offer payroll tax relief and waivers for small businesses in the wake of the pandemic.