Pence creates a stir by not wearing a mask at the Mayo Clinic

Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday explained his choice to forego a facial covering while visiting the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, noting that he is frequently tested for COVID-19 and does not have the virus.

"As Vice President of the United States I'm tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus,” Pence said. 

"And since I don't have the coronavirus, I thought it'd be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible health care personnel, and look them in the eye and say thank you," the vice president explained.

The vice president reportedly indicated that he was abiding by the CDC guidelines. The CDC says coverings can help prevent the spread of the virus by infected individuals and notes that even asymptomatic people can have the illness.

An April 13 Mayo Clinic post says that all patients and visitors should don a mask or facial covering. 

According to reports the clinic on Tuesday tweeted and subsequently deleted a post that said, "Mayo Clinic had informed @VP of the masking policy prior to his arrival today."

The facility told multiple media outlets via email that "Mayo shared the masking policy with the VP’s office."