Former host Elisabeth Hasselbeck returned to “The View” this week and urged viewers to stay calm during the coronavirus threat.
“There can be a fine line between what is precaution, what is taking precaution and what is panic,” said Hasselbeck, an outspoken Christian who left the daytime panel in 2013. “So I think a lot of it has to be decided. Yes, we’re going to take precautions, we’re going to use Purell. Pray that God’s got us in our tomorrows, we pray that this coronavirus is extinguished — that it’s stopped in its tracks. I love the fact that we can identify that this is precautionary, right?”
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“We’ve had affected cases; those are serious. We’ve had deaths; those are serious. This is not to be taken lightly at all, but we shouldn’t be in a state of panic, because what we’re doing — and taking cues from our president — is taking early, strong, bold actions to keep this at bay as much as we possibly can right now. We’re still on the front end of this. We’re on the very front end of this now, and I feel comfortable and confident in that because of strong leadership.”
The references to President Trump were not well received by her cohosts. In response to their pushback about Trump’s handling of the situation, Hasselbeck pointed to the fact the White House has proposed a payroll tax cut through the election in hopes of reviving the economy, which has been negatively impacted by crippling fear about the novel coronavirus, formally named COVID-19. He has also signed an $8.3 billion package to combat the illness.
READ: Today is National Day of Prayer for the coronavirus
Hasselbeck also has faced a negative response from some on social media who have rebuked the 42-year-old commentator for calling for prayer: The backlash Hasselbeck has faced is similar to the response received by Vice President Mike Pence, whom Trump appointed to lead the federal government’s response to COVID-19.
The President on Friday called on Americans to join together for a National Day of Prayer on Sunday.
For info on coronavirus, visit the CDC.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice