Trump staff and visitors ordered to wear masks in West Wing following coronavirus scares

Move comes as two officials test positive for virus

White House officials and staff will be required to wear masks when entering the West Wing according to an official memo.

The order comes after two members of staff close to the president tested positive for the coronavirus last week.

Both White House officials and visitors will be asked to wear masks or face coverings while inside the wings buildings.

The oval office, where President Donald Trump works, is situated within the west wing of the White House.

According to The Financial Times. Mr Trump will not be required to adhere to the new guidelines on facial coverings.

The new regulations are an attempt to stem the possible spread of the coronavirus through the White House.

Two cases of coronavirus inside the West Wing have prompted several senior health officials to self-quarantine and sparked fear over an outbreak in the administration.

Both Mr Trump’s personal valet and Katie Miller, communications director for Mike Pence, the vice-president, tested positive for the virus last week.

Following this several staff have tested positive for the coronavirus over the past few days and a number of staff have undertaken quarantining measures.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield who are both task force members have begun self-quarantining and working virtually for a period of two weeks after potential exposure.

Anthony Fauci the government’s top infectious diseases official, will sometimes be working from home as a precaution to the virus, according to a spokesperson.

Dr Fauci is reported to have come into contact with an unnamed person who tested positive.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last month recommended that people wear masks to reduce the risk of transmission to other members of the population.

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.