Helpers Ted Cruz said he was drinking coffee at the time the photo was taken.
Washington:
American Airlines said Monday it had contacted renowned Republican senator Ted Cruz about its coronavirus prevention policies after a photo of the unmasked Texas lawmaker on a flight went viral on social media.
“Although our policy does not apply while eating or drinking, we have contacted Senator Cruz to state the importance of this policy as part of our commitment to protect the health and safety of the traveling public,” said AA in a press release.
Aides to Cruz told American media that he was drinking coffee when the photo was taken.
The senator holds a cup of coffee and a telephone in the photo, but no mask is in sight.
“For the well-being of our customers and our team members, we require that face covers be worn on board,” said AA.
“We expect our customers to follow our policies when they choose to travel with us.”
The company declined to say which flight Cruz was traveling on Sunday and whether or not he wore a face mask without drinking his coffee.
In the United States, the wearing of masks has been politicized in recent months.
For months, President Donald Trump has not worn it in public – he was only seen for the first time on Saturday during a visit to a military hospital.
Health experts and scientists have called on American politicians to lead by example as the coronavirus pandemic rages in the United States, particularly in Sun Belt states such as Texas.
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott has made it mandatory to wear the mask in public places – a move he has long resisted.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
