US President Donald Trump has warned that the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic in the US could get worse before it gets better.
Trump has asked all Americans to wear masks, saying that they "have an effect" and show "patriotism" with this, writes the BBC.
The US president, who did not wear a mask during the speech, had earlier said that masks are unhygienic.
His aides have reportedly pressured him to take a more measured approach as new coronavirus cases continue to rise in the US.
In his first speech from the White House in months, on Tuesday, he said what public health officials and his task force to fight the pandemic have mentioned earlier.
"It will unfortunately get worse before it gets better. Something I don't like to say, but that's how it is," said Trump. "We are asking everyone that if they are unable to maintain social distance, then wear a mask, wear a mask. Whether you like it or not, masks have an impact, they will have an impact."
Trump took the mask out of his pocket, but did not put it on.
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Biden will ask Americans to wear masks for 100 days
According to the polls, Trump seems to be significantly behind the opponent Joe Biden, in the presidential elections in the USA that will be held in November.
Biden on Tuesday accused Trump of failing to manage the pandemic.
"He has failed with you, he has failed with the country," Biden said.
The US is the country most affected by the new coronavirus. Over 3.9 million cases and over 141 thousand deaths have been registered.
