Coronavirus: US President Donald Trump keeps shaking hands despite pandemic

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14 Mar, 2020 12:29 AM2 mins to read

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Thomas Moriarty, Executive Vice President of CVS Health, during a news conference about the coronavirus. Photo / AP

President Donald Trump, a self-described germaphobe, can't seem to stop shaking hands - even in the midst of this coronavirus pandemic.

Trump was surrounded by several retail and health care industry executives on Friday (US time) as he announced he was declaring the virus outbreak a national emergency.

One by one, the president invited them to the lectern at the Rose Garden press conference to say a few words. He also shook several of their hands.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Richard Ashworth, president of Walgreens, during a news conference about the coronavirus. Photo / AP

Public health officials have told Americans to avoid handshakes, as a key social distancing measure, to try to limit the spread of the virus.

But Trump, who acknowledges he tried to avoid shaking hands before jumping into politics, now seems to have a hard time not putting his hand out for a greeting.

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon appeared to be moving away from Trump after saying a few words. But then Trump put out his hand for a handshake and McMillon obliged.

LHC Group's Bruce Greenstein elbow bumps with President Donald Trump during a news conference about the coronavirus. Photo / AP

Walgreens President Richard Ashworth and Trump shared a hearty handshake before he walked away. Thomas Moriarty, executive vice president at CVS Health, also gave the president a handshake.

Bruce Greenstein, executive vice president and chief strategy and innovation officer at in-home healthcare services company LHC Group, threw the president for a curve.