Trump seen wearing face mask in public for first time

US President Donald Trump wears a mask as he visits Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Bethesda, Maryland CREDIT: ALEX EDELMAN/AFP

US President Donald Trump wore a face mask in public for the first time on Saturday, finally yielding to intense pressure to set a public health example as coronavirus rampages across America.

Mr Trump wore a black mask as he walked through the corridors of Walter Reed military hospital outside Washington to meet with wounded veterans.

He walked past reporters and did not stop to speak to them about what had become a hotly anticipated moment – his possible change of heart on a practice recommended by the government’s own medical experts, even as he resisted.

“I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask. I’ve never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place,” Mr Trump said as he left the White House.

News reports this week said aides practically begged the President to relent and wear a mask in public – and let himself be photographed wearing it – as coronavirus cases soar in some states and as Mr Trump trails Democrat Joe Biden badly in polls ahead of the November election. (TelegraphUK)