Health authorities have advised that Americans should undergo social distancing and self-quarantine in order to prevent or slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Due to this guideline, First Lady Melania Trump shared an alternative way to view an anticipated attraction in Washington DC.
One of the most anticipated attractions among tourists and locals alike is the blooming cherry blossoms in Washington DC. The cherry blossoms reached their peak bloom over the weekend. However, due to the social distancing period being observed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Americans are forced to stay indoors. But the First Lady has a suggestion for those who wanted to see the blossoms in DC in her latest Twitter update.
“Please follow social distancing guidelines to avoid #COVID19. Thanks to @TheNationalMall, you can do that via the #BloomCam here and still enjoy the beloved cherry blossoms,” tweeted Melania, who directed her followers to the National Park Service’s Bloom Cam, which shows different parts of the city where the cherry blossom trees are in real-time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have strongly advised Americans to avoid crowds or gatherings of 50 more people over the next eight weeks. The cherry blossoms were also going to be featured in the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade, but because of the pandemic, the event has since been canceled, along with other related events next month.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also echoed Melania’s suggestion by avoiding the trees this time, and has requested the assistance of the National Guard to partner with the Metropolitan Police Department to enforce road closures and restrict pedestrian access to the places around the Tidal Basin, the Jefferson Memorial included.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail reports that White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham announced that the First Lady tested negative for the coronavirus. This follows President Donald Trump’s revelation that both he and Melania got tested for the coronavirus. “Mrs. Trump got tested the same night as the President was tested, out of an abundance of caution. The test was negative,” announced Grisham.
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Second Lady Karen Pence, were also tested for the coronavirus following the report of a member of Pence’s staff testing positive.