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The mask’s decision will haunt Trump’s election offer
A day later, Trump’s aides said that the White House would never require all Americans to wear masks.
“When we look at masks and wear masks, it is done based on location when you cannot have social distance,” said chief of staff Mark Meadows at Fox News. “Of course the national mandate is wrong.”
But Trump’s willingness to turn personally to this issue is far from clear. While he likens himself to “Lone Ranger” on one of several occasions he wears a mask personally, he has not used a strong social media platform to encourage his supporters to do the same. And in a meeting with advisers, Trump has stated that heavier calls to wear a mask might send the wrong message as he tries to move away from the virus.
The debate about the mask has come to summarize federal efforts that are characterized by repeated reversals, conflicting recommendations, low stock and competing internal interests which lead to chaotic messages and negative health outcomes.
The careless response has caused great damage to the President’s political views – with his reluctance to mask only deepening the impression that Trump does not take the pandemic seriously. Many of Trump’s closest allies now say privately that wearing a mask in public can help him appear more in tune with the crisis. They fear his failure to do so – and to encourage his supporters to follow suit – could threaten the economic recovery Trump relied on to re-elect his election, because the plague could further roll back the reopening he desperately needed to have a chance in November.
The Trump administration’s decision in the earliest days of the pandemic to recommend the use of masks has emerged as a critical misstep in a much-maligned national response. Even when it became clear that the asymptomatic spread caused the virus to spread quickly and quietly, a joint national effort to convince Americans that wearing a mask could prevent transmission was never actually installed.
Administration public health experts have defended their actions, saying it was necessary to prevent the escape of equipment that was in short supply.
“I don’t regret that,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified at the Congress last week. “At that time, there was a lack of equipment needed by our health care providers – who put themselves every day in danger of caring for people who are sick. We don’t want to divert masks and PPE from them, to be used by people.”
But only now, months into a crisis that shows no signs of waning, high-ranking White House officials and the President’s allies are beginning to realize that as more Americans begin to wear masks, the plague could be slowed.
White House officials say their message this week will shift to reassuring Americans that the virus will not subside anytime soon – but steps like wearing a mask can help hold it back because the country is learning to live with it.
“While there is an outbreak and we are inclined to the needs of the outbreak, we have the infrastructure to deal with it,” said an official in a preview of the push for new messages.
However, after months of refusing to wear it himself, demeaning his election rivals for appearing closed in public and triggering a cultural reaction to its use, it is unclear whether the President’s efforts to convince people to cover their faces will prove effective.
Appearing on April 3, Friday afternoon, Trump announced the US Centers for Disease Control urging Americans to wear masks when they leave home. But he immediately stated he would not wear it himself. Instead of encouraging Americans to heed recommendations, he suggests they do what they want.
“With a mask, that would be a completely voluntary thing,” the president said. “You can do it. You don’t have to do it. I choose not to do it.”
His announcement came after days of heated task force meetings where officials argued in the Situation Room about whether to back down and order Americans to cover up. At the Oval Office, Trump has expressed deep skepticism that every American will wear a mask – and worry that advising them will cause panic.
Disparaging worries
In the earliest days of this pandemic, recommending masks to the general public was not a topic of discussion among White House officials.
An exception is Matt Pottinger, deputy national security advisor who has set the policy of the President of Asia. A Wall Street Journal reporter based in China, where she covered the SARS outbreak, Pottinger once lived in a country where wearing a mask had long been routine and where, when coronaviruses began to spread, the virus spread everywhere.
According to senior government officials and former current officials, Pottinger and several members of the National Security Council recommended to other members of the task force in February that wearing a mask was one of the recommendations for America when the virus began to spread in the United States.
Presenting data from South Korea and Japan that suggest widespread use of masks can help slow the spread of the disease, Pottinger and members of the NSC team of weapons of mass destruction have argued that similar advice should be offered to Americans.
Underlying internal back and forth is the lack of medical-level masks for frontline hospital workers, which the state and federal government are struggling to resolve through patchy shipments and appeals to the private sector. Some White House officials are concerned that a blanket recommendation for Americans to use face masks can cause a rush to medical masks that are urgently needed, exacerbating an already severe situation for hospital workers and first responders.
“The government wants the mask to go to health professionals and does not want to panic and (have) people buy the masks needed for the front lines,” said a former administration official who was present for the discussion. “That is part of the justification.”
However, that did not prevent Pottinger from wearing his own mask at the White House, and encouraged others at NSC to do the same. At one point in March – while the government still recommended not to wear masks – councilors accepted shipments of blue surgical masks from Taiwan for use at the White House.
At the time, the CDC said on its website that “it does not recommend that people who wear facial masks properly protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Covid-19.”
Administration officials said that Americans do not go out to buy masks: “There is no need for Americans to go and buy masks,” Pence said when appearing on CNN on March 1. In late February, General Surgeon Jerome Adams tweeted: “Seriously people – STOP PURCHASING MASKERS! They are NOT effective in preventing the general public from catching #Coronavirus.”
In other cases, some administration officials went further by suggesting that wearing a mask could increase the risk of infection for the wearer.
“You can increase your risk of getting (coronavirus) by wearing a mask if you are not a health care provider,” Adams said during an interview on Fox & Friends on March 2. “People who don’t know how to use it properly tend to touch their faces a lot and can actually increase the spread of the corona virus.”
At the end of March, more and more evidence began to emerge that showed the spread of asymptomatic viruses causing cases to surge across the country. Senior officials at the CDC told the White House that stronger guidelines – including new recommendations about masks – are needed to prevent the virus from spreading among asymptomatic people, according to people familiar with internal discussions.
The agency sent a memo to the White House outlining guidelines recommended in the last week of March, people familiar with the document said. They made it clear that cloth face coverings – not medical grade masks – were recommended.
But after accepting them, some Trump advisers warned that national recommendations might have negative side effects and advocate something more limited in scope, potentially only in the hardest hit areas.
Opinion among officials is divided. Some people wonder whether people in the United States – unlike citizens of Asian countries, where wearing masks are common – will bow to covering their faces, perceiving it as a cultural barrier. One group raised the idea of changing their name to a “mask of decency” to attract American altruism.
Health experts, including Dr. Deborah Birx, the mask that is feared can put people to sleep so as to ignore other preventive measures such as social exclusion. And some of Trump’s political advisers raised different concerns: Does asking Americans to wear masks convey weaknesses when the President adopts “wartime” mien?
The debate took place during a coronavirus task force meeting in the White House Situation Room, but also in the Oval Office, where Trump seemed unenthusiastic about telling Americans to cover their faces and telling advisers that he would not be seen wearing them in public.
“That is being discussed very actively. We are discussing it actively today in the task force and I can assure you, it will be on the agenda tomorrow,” Fauci, a nation contagious disease expert, told CNN in early April. “Given the fact that we know that people without symptoms clearly transmit the infection, it only makes sense that it’s not a bad idea to do that.”
Mask politicized
At one point, the debate extended to public view during the briefing of the public task force when Birx, who had been arguing against the mask’s recommendations in private, warned to get a “false sense of security that the mask protects you exclusively from infection.”
A day later, Trump appeared – reluctantly, according to people familiar with the matter – to announce a new CDC recommendation on masks. But it has been clear since he said he would not adopt in the guide itself that the debate about the mask is far from before.
“Wearing a mask when I greet the president, prime minister, dictator, king, queen – I don’t know,” Trump said. “Somehow, I didn’t see it myself.”
Apparently, none of Trump’s supporters, who took the President’s refusal to wear a mask as a sign that appearing in public with a closed face is a sign of weakness.
During April, May and June, Trump did little to counter this impression and instead exploited a new cultural war, mocking his rival Joe Biden for wearing a mask when he appeared on Remembrance Day to lay a bouquet of flowers.
Personally, Trump told his aides that wearing a mask would send a terrible message when he tried to project momentum in fighting the virus and reopening the economy. He was also worried that photographs of him in the mask would be reused by his political opponents to accuse him of curling up with a scourge.
While his campaign produced a mask bearing the slogan “Keep America Great,” the aide was never convinced Trump would sign their sales to the public and they didn’t appear in the campaign’s online store.
When Trump emerged from the White House for the first time for a visit to the Honeywell factory in Arizona that produced respirators, he briefly wore a mask backstage but looked uncomfortable and was told by an executive that he didn’t need to wear one.
Later, when he visited the Ford factory in Michigan where a mask was needed, he was encouraged to wear a mask by the president of the automaker and wear it briefly with a presidential stamp. But then he deleted it, telling reporters that he “didn’t want to give the press happy to see it.”
The White House insists that because Trump is tested regularly – like everyone who comes close to him – he doesn’t need to wear a mask, even though the Abbott tests used by the White House have shown high levels of false negatives.
However, when a new wave of cases hit the country, it became increasingly clear that many Republicans had decided that a fuller hug to wear a mask was needed.
GOP about faces in masks
Over the past week, high-ranking Republican officials and conservative media members – including those closely watched by the President – have suddenly turned towards recommending masks, and in some cases needing them. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued mandatory statewide orders on Thursday requiring Texas citizens to wear masks in public. Vice President Mike Pence, whose mask-free visit to the Mayo Clinic in May turned into a symbol of the White House’s relaxed manner, has begun regularly wearing a navy blue number with a presidential stamp.
The sudden embrace of masks even by politicians who have trapped the issue as a personal choice has added to Trump’s pressure to support the use of stronger masks, according to sources with knowledge of the discussion.
“There is more talk about the use of masks as a frontline defense,” said one person involved in the discussion, adding there were various views shared and that the White House had not approached.
“#realmenwearmasks,” he wrote.
A leading GOP aide said they saw the mask as a key to preventing the country from closing back. Medical experts and task force members have stressed the importance of masks for White House officials recently, hoping they would agree to strengthen the message, people familiar with the conversation said.
While Trump continues to refuse to wear a mask in public, he somewhat changes his tone, appearing to be more preferred than the mask during a recent FOX Business Network interview and admits that he wore it on occasions where social distance is not possible.
“I’m all for the mask,” Trump said. “I think the mask is good.”
However, the complete embrace of a mask can prove to be politically difficult for Trump, who has repeatedly taunted his 2020 rival Joe Biden for wearing a mask in public and which has characterized the faceplate as a sign of weakness.
People familiar with White House thinking say Trump’s aides hope to move beyond the political aspects of wearing masks and reframe them as a real problem for public health and safety, a high order for a President who seems to trigger political divisions and mask culture. wear for months.
Trump remains
How much the President will take a leadership role in encouraging the use of masks remains unclear. In Thursday’s appearance to mention positive employment figures, he only briefly mentioned face covering in the list of best practices for stopping the spread of Covid.
But some Trump aides are beginning to reframe the problem as one of personal responsibility, hoping to place responsibility on individuals to contain the virus – and, by extension, speeding reopening. In public appearances, officials argue that the recent surge in cases is due to the failure of people to comply with social distance guidelines or mask recommendations – and not premature retraction of orders to stay at home which Trump strongly supports.
“This is really not about reopening,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar said Sunday on CNN “State of the Union,” defending the White House’s push to lift restrictions in countries where infection rates have increased. Azar claims the culprit is “what our behavior is in it.”
“If we act irresponsibly, don’t be social distance, don’t use face masks in settings where we can’t be social distance, if we don’t practice appropriate personal hygiene, we will see the spread of disease,” he said.
Pence on Sunday also tried to focus on the responsibility of Americans to wear masks – not on the reopening the White House wants.
“Younger Americans have gathered in a way that might disregard the guidelines we provide at the federal level for all reopening phases,” he said on CBS.
But the helper’s push for individual responsibility seems complicated by Trump’s own behavior as the pandemic continues to rage. After holding political events in Oklahoma and Arizona – where active social distance is not permitted, wearing masks are absent and people are getting sick – Trump made headlines on Mount Rushmore on Friday which took 7,500 people to a stadium in where distance proved impossible and not everyone covered their faces.
Even when Trump finally started pushing people to wear masks, even though he didn’t wear them himself, his son Donald Trump Jr. actively spreading doubts about the effectiveness of the mask against the corona virus.
On Facebook, Trump Jr. posted a picture of a lab where scientists work in certain hazmat suits known as positive pressure suits. The text in the picture says: “This is what the virologist uses to protect himself from the virus. However, don’t worry. Your bandana might function too.”
Alex Marquardt, Jeremy Diamond, and Kristen Holmes from CNN contributed to this report.
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All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care
Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.
How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?
The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.
Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.
How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?
Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.
How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?
Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:
- Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
- Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
- Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
- Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.
How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?
Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:
- Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
- Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
- Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.
Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?
When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.
If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.
What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?
Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:
– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.
– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.
– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.
– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.
Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.
Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?
If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:
– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.
– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.
Conclusion
Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.
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Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite
When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.
Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.
Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.
Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.
Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.
European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.
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Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life
Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.
Creating an Optimal Habitat
One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.
- Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
- Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.
- Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
- Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Regular Health Checks
Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.
- Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
- Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.
Environmental Enrichment
Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.
- Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
- Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.
Conclusion
By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.
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