AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsely declares kids safe from virus
By CALVIN WOODWARD
May 7, 2020
WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is falsely suggesting that children are safe from the coronavirus as he pushes to reopen the country now and schools in the summer or fall.
Although Trump is broadly correct that the disease is most deadly to the elderly and to people with existing health problems, his statement that the children arent affected is heedless. Some have died from it. His recent comments also skirt the threat to healthy adults in their 50s and younger.
A look at his statements on the subject:
TRUMP: With young children and children, wed like to see the schools open early next season and on time. Its incredible how the its very unique how the children arent affected, but people that have problems and older people are can be very badly hurt, injured, or die from this problem. remarks with Native leaders Tuesday in Phoenix, Arizona.
TRUMP: You see how well children seem to do. Its incredible. We realize how strong children are, right? remarks with nurses Wednesday.
TRUMP: It affects older people. It infects if you have any problem heart, diabetes, even a little weak heart, a little diabetes, a little this thing is vicious, and it can take you out, and it can take you out very strongly. But children do very well. remarks Sunday to Fox News.
THE FACTS: His suggestion that children are in the clear is false. To say they do very well with the disease is generally more accurate, based on what is known so far. His implication that the risk is limited to the old and sick is incorrect.
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https://apnews.com/d1a286910e0529ee2269f5dae69f2306