It took over 130 thousand deaths from the virus that's upended daily life in the United States, but President Donald Trump abided by CDC guidelines and wore a mask in public for the first time.
However, the anti-mask positions promulgated by Trump and many of his supporters as an act of civil disobedience instead of refusal to adhere to public safety measures are still gripping the nation.
This recently became evident at the Wisconsin Republican Convention, in which mask wearing was optional.
Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) was addressing the crowd when he said, "It's time to talk about Donald John Trump," before immediately breaking out into a coughing fit.
Watch below.
This is @RepGrothman *today* at the Wisconsin Republican convention (which was held in-person) https://t.co/MnsVlJryLE— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1594515537.0
The coughing lasted for approximately eight seconds before Grothman regained his ability to speak.
Grothman has attended numerous events without wearing a mask, including visits to farmers markets and police stations. The speech he gave at the convention attracted over 300 Republicans and was held in Green Bay, which holds the state's second highest number of cases.
Attendees of the event were warned that they assumed any liability if they contracted the virus while attending.
In light of the pandemic, the party gave these guidelines for attendees. https://t.co/9DlV7MYnEy— Will Kenneally (@Will Kenneally) 1594480277.0
People widely decried the importance placed by some Republicans on fealty to Trump instead of deference to experts.
@atrupar @RepGrothman Gross in so many ways.— Bruno 🇺🇸 4 Congress CA23 Against Kevin McCarthy (@Bruno 🇺🇸 4 Congress CA23 Against Kevin McCarthy) 1594564029.0
@atrupar @RepGrothman https://t.co/EDHh9gVEml— Your Favorite Fully-Vaxxed ZeitGuy (@Your Favorite Fully-Vaxxed ZeitGuy) 1594515682.0
@atrupar @MattArpen @RepGrothman https://t.co/r6FTevtkeE— Gretchen is so tired (@Gretchen is so tired) 1594517127.0
@atrupar @RepGrothman “Sorry, I just got some reality stuck in my throat.”— Paul 'There Will Be Sarcasm' Wiley (@Paul 'There Will Be Sarcasm' Wiley) 1594564770.0
@atrupar @RepGrothman And here is a photo he posted this morning of himself posing with people at the Farmer’s Mark… https://t.co/hMMenK29JH— Tricia Braun (@Tricia Braun) 1594516149.0
@atrupar @RepGrothman oh my gosh get to a Dr man!— wendy gahles (@wendy gahles) 1594557101.0
They noticed he likely spread the germs all over the microphone.
@atrupar @RepGrothman Wow. He sprayed the whole podium— mandy (@mandy) 1594557269.0
@MeliMels99 @atrupar @RepGrothman Coughed all over that mic too. Passing around that to everyone that spoke after him.— 🇨🇴🇺🇸 Pal Carajo... and Beyond! (@🇨🇴🇺🇸 Pal Carajo... and Beyond!) 1594516862.0
Grothman has yet to elaborate on the incident on his Twitter account or in any public comments or statements.