The 11 Democrats who represent Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives include some of President Trump's harshest critics. But several members of the delegation promptly wished the president well Friday, after he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for the coronavirus.
The collective message is that the Trumps' diagnoses demonstrate the contagiousness of a virus that has killed more than 200,000 Americans.
"My thoughts are with the President and the First Lady, as everyone hopes for their speedy recovery," Sen. Ed Markey said in a statement. "The virus is still with us, and today's development makes it clear that we need to remain vigilant and continue doing all the public health measures we've been talking about — wear a mask, wash hands, and keep social distance."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a statement that "today's news should serve as a reminder that listening to scientists, wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing are our best tools to fight this horrific disease."
Warren faulted Trump for "undermining the work of our doctors and scientists" and noted that the coronavirus has disproportionately harmed people of color.
"This is another stark reminder that no one is immune from #COVID19," Rep. Lori Trahan tweeted. In an email, she added, "It is a good thing for the nation that the President and First Lady are reportedly experiencing only minor symptoms and in good spirits. It's my hope that they are on track for a quick recovery. In the meantime, it is imperative that the White House regularly brief Congress and the American people on the President's condition."
Rep. Katherine Clark said in an interview that she wishes the Trumps "a full and speedy recovery." She also said, "We cannot ignore the fact that Donald Trump has been irresponsible."
Clark said she hopes the president's personal experience with the coronavirus will move him and Senate Republicans to support the $2.2 trillion relief package that House Democrats passed on Thursday.
[...]
Trump has often appeared in public unmasked and, in Tuesday's debate, mocked Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for being vigilant about facial coverings.
"I don’t wear masks like him," Trump said. "Every time you see him, he's got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from me, and he shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen."
----------
Original story here.