A video has emerged showing a woman claiming to be a nurse admitting that she doesn't wear a mask in public despite knowing it protects others from the coronavirus.
The clip was posted by actor and blogger Walter Masterson, who was filming people taking part in the pro-Trump rally which took place in Washington D.C. on Saturday.
During the video, the woman states that she is a registered nurse working in an emergency room and is still not wearing a mask at the rally.
The unidentified woman says that she has been a nurse for 20 years but does not state at which hospital she currently works at.
"I don't believe in wearing a mask...and I've seen a lot of sick people," she said.
When Masterson asks if she wears a mask at work, the woman replies "Yes I do, we have to."
She adds: "You want to because I'm directly with COVID patients, so I don't want to get it then give it to another patient."
Masterson responds: "You don't want to get the virus and give it to someone else."
The clip has since been viewed more than 100,000 on TikTok and 15,000 times on Twitter.
COVID Nurse at the MAGA Rally does not believe in wearing a mask. pic.twitter.com/1SvKyFpPCf
— ʍɐןʇǝɹ ɯɐsʇǝɹsou (@waltermasterson) December 13, 2020
For several months, health experts have said that masks should be worn in order to help prevent the spread of the virus which has killed nearly 300,000 in the U.S.
States across the country have issued executive orders meaning people must wear masks in public spaces and indoors order to help stop the virus spreading via respiratory droplets
"The main function of wearing a mask is to protect those around you, in case you are infected but not showing symptoms," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
The decision whether or not to wear a mask has also become a political stance, with many conservatives and right-wing figures considering it an encroachment on their liberty and openly refusing to follow health guidelines.
During the rally on Saturday in which supporters of Donald Trump protested the election result, large crowds of people could be seen not wearing masks while speakers including conspiracy theorist Alex Jones gave speeches.
In July, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser imposed a mask mandate which states that face coverings are required when people leave their homes and are likely to come into contact with another person for "more than a fleeting moment."
In a video posted on Twitter last month, Bowser added: "Wearing a mask or face covering is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"By being a responsible neighbor, you can help us save lives and reopen our economy both safely and sustainably."
