In first, Trump dons masks during military hospital visit

US President Donald Trump has been photographed wearing a face mask for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

He was meeting wounded soldiers and health care workers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

"I think when you are in a hospital, especially in that particular setting when you are talking to a lot of soldiers, people that in some cases just got off the operating table, I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask," Trump told reporters at the White House ahead of his visit.

President @realDonaldTrump visits Walter Reed National Military Medical Centerpic.twitter.com/dHMRUM5J5a

— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) July 11, 2020

Despite top health officials recommending the use of masks to slow the spread of the virus, the president has refused to wear a mask until now. In fact, he has dissuaded Americans from wearing it, calling it a personal choice.