President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who refuses to wear face masks in public, insisted Tuesday that it is still not known “for sure” that they are effective, and that he doesn’t use them because he isn’t infected with Covid-19.
“I don’t wear one because I keep my distance and because the doctor has told me that it isn’t necessary if I’m not infected,” he said. “It is necessary to put it on so as not to infect other people.”
Health authorities recommended using face masks in closed spaces, and many Mexican states – including Jalisco – have made their use obligatory.
Many observers have remarked on how Lopez Obrador is often the only person at official events not to be wearing a mask.
Mexico’s chief coronavirus strategist López-Gatell at first questioned the scientific evidence surrounding face masks, but later recommended their use.