Jimmy, Rosalynn Carter implore public to ‘wear a mask to save lives’

Former President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are calling on the American people to “wear a mask to save lives” amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Carter Center, the Atlanta-based charity founded by the former president and first lady, shared an image of the couple with the caption “Please wear a mask to save lives.” The Carters can be seen wearing white masks featuring the organization’s logo.   

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— The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) July 11, 2020

Carter in March called on donors to the nonprofit to “forgo your next gift” to the Carter Center and support groups working to address “the suffering caused by this pandemic.”

The recent message from the former president comes as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (D), who announced earlier this week that she tested positive for COVID-19, said Friday that she is rolling back the city’s reopening, citing an increase in coronavirus cases in Georgia.

The United States has continued to be ravaged by the coronavirus in recent weeks, with some states in the South and West — including Arizona, Florida, Texas, Georgia and Alabama — recording consistent one-day new infection highs. Overall, the U.S. confirmed 68,000 new cases on Friday, setting a record for the country for the third straight day. 

Bottoms said she is bringing the city back to its first reopening phase, mandating that people wear masks in public and calling for residents to wash their hands frequently and leave their homes only for essential activities. 

“Georgia reopened in a reckless manner, and the people of our city and state are suffering the consequences,” Bottoms said. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has advocated for a faster reopening approach and called for city leaders not to mandate wearing masks or other face coverings.

President Trump announced earlier this week that he will wear a mask during an upcoming trip to Walter Reed hospital to meet with staff and injured soldiers. Trump has rarely worn a face covering in public amid the pandemic.

“I think it’s fine to wear a mask out if it makes you feel comfortable,” Trump told Sean Hannity on Fox News on Thursday.