The US Reopens Economy... Cannot Visit Stores Even If Wearing a Mask

Donald Trump, President of the United States, is holding a mask stamped with the presidential seal while visiting the Ford Motor Company plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the 21st (local time). This was the first time the American media captured President Trump wearing a mask on that day. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] In the United States, which has been hit hard by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), some stores have appeared that restrict entry if customers wear masks.

According to a report by the British daily The Guardian on the 22nd (local time), a convenience store in Kentucky, USA, posted a notice saying, "If you wear a mask, you cannot enter the store."

The store's notice stated, "Either pull down your mask or go to another store. Governor Andy Beshear is stupid. Do not listen to him."

Earlier this month, a store in California also posted a notice saying, "Hugs are encouraged, but wearing masks is not allowed." An employee at a gas station in Illinois posted a similar notice, citing the difficulty of verifying the age of customers when selling alcohol and cigarettes if masks are worn.

On the other hand, President Donald Trump, who had been reluctant to show himself wearing a mask in public, was finally photographed wearing a mask the day before. Regarding this, The Guardian pointed out that although President Trump wore a mask, it is uncertain how much more the virus will spread due to people trying to protect their freedom.

Those opposing lockdown measures argue that the U.S. government's infringement on citizens' freedoms to reduce COVID-19 deaths goes against the American spirit.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.