Americans urged to wear masks outside as coronavirus pandemic worsens

FILE PHOTO: A New York City Police officer (NYPD) takes a selfie while in the middle of the street in an almost empty Times Square, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in New York City, U.S., March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Thursday looked set to join local officials in advising Americans to wear masks when venturing out during the still-exploding coronavirus pandemic, as the U.S. death toll rose by 1,000 in a single day for the first time.

Speaking at a White House briefing, Deborah Birx, a member of President Donald Trump's coronavirus task force, said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would in the coming days add a recommendation on masks to guidelines on protective measures.