Trumps eight months of denial: “It’s going to disappear… I’ll be right”

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a campaign rally in Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S., December 18, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis

In stark contrast with his past comments over the last six months, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Americans to wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus and acknowledged the outbreak would probably get worse before it gets better.

He had previously said he would not wear a mask and had mocked Democratic candidate Joe Biden for doing so. 
Trump has long been criticized for playing down the impact of the  Coronavirus and for not promoting the use of masks. Here is a timeline of what he has said before.

Jan 22 to CNBC: We have it totally under control

“We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.”

Jan 24 tweet: 
“China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!”

26 February: ‘It’s going to vanish”
In late February, with about 60 recorded cases, Trump told a White House press briefing: “When you have 15 people … within a couple of days it’s going to be down to close to zero. That’s a pretty good job we’ve done.”