UPDATE: Dr. Fauci says he was dehydrated and therefore, pulled his mask down.
"I had my mask around my chin. I had taken it down. I was totally dehydrated and I was drinking water trying to rehydrate myself. And, by the way, I was negative COVID literally the day before," Fauci told Fox News Friday morning.
"So, I guess people want to make it a big event. I wear a mask all the time when I'm outside. To pull it down to take some sips of water and put it back up again. I guess if people want to make something about that they can. But to me, I think that's just mischievous," he continued.
***Original Post***
Last night Dr. Anthony Fauci threw out the first pitch at the Nationals vs. Yankees baseball game in Washington D.C. It was Opening Day and fans weren't allowed to attend, but Fauci was permitted to stay for the game.
Just a bit outside Dr. Fauci ?? #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/FGATQKT6PY
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 23, 2020
But is isn't only a disastrous throw that has people's attention. Photos taken by the Associated Press show Fauci failing to properly wear a mask while being seated directly in between two other people, one whom was also not wearing a mask.
I have been generally supportive of Dr. Fauci, but I think it's worth asking him about mask usage and how he personally uses one and under what circumstances. One of these photos is AP, one is USA Today. https://t.co/2ctFdhOPcrhttps://t.co/w2Vm45mL4i pic.twitter.com/EjcnQPmbx3
— Jeryl Bier (@JerylBier) July 24, 2020
We are asked to do three things to eliminate this virus:
— Dr. David Samadi (@drdavidsamadi) July 24, 2020
1. Social Distancing
2. Wearing A Mask
3. Practice Good Hygiene
At least two out of the three are being violated in this photograph.
Let’s lead by example. pic.twitter.com/XsvAEzUl0n
Looks like Dr. Fauci forget to actually use his face mask while watching the Kaepernickers playing baseball. I’m sure the media will question him about it. After all, as he says, we’re in this together and everyone needs to obey the the science. H/T WTOPhttps://t.co/placCoe2E9 pic.twitter.com/uC9ZwZF2Lj
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) July 24, 2020
Fauci's improper mask etiquette comes as governors and mayors around the country institute mandatory mask requirements for residents merely walking outside. If they don't comply, they can be fined, jailed and charged with a misdemeanor.
The Governor of Indiana has announced all residents and visitors in the state will be required to wear face coverings such as masks in public or risk facing a criminal charge.
Governor Eric Holcomb is due to sign an Executive Order which will mean a statewide mask requirement would take effect in Indiana on July 27.
Those who don't follow the new order could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine and up to six months in jail.
In fact, the Mayor of Washington D.C. issued a mask mandate punishable by law this week.
"Basically what it says is, if you leave home, you should wear a mask," Bowser said at a press conference. “This means, if you’re waiting for a bus, you must have on a mask. If you are ordering food at a restaurant, you must have on a mask. If you’re sitting in a cubicle in an open office, you must have on a mask.”
The order, which allows for fines of up $1,000 per violation, won't be enforced on children under the age of 3 and people who are actively eating or drinking.
In recent weeks, Fauci has been an advocate for mask wearing. Maybe he was simply following his advice from March on the issue.