Jennifer Aniston urges fans to ‘wear a damn mask’ amid coronavirus outbreak: ‘It shouldn’t be a debate’

Actor says the issue has been ‘politicised at the expense of peoples’ lives’

(Instagram: @jenniferaniston

Jennifer Aniston has urged people to “wear a damn mask” to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

On Tuesday, the Morning Show star shared a photo on Instagram of herself wearing a face mask alongside a message urging fans to cover up when outdoors.

“I understand masks are inconvenient and uncomfortable,” Aniston wrote.

“But don't you feel that it's worse that businesses are shutting down... jobs are being lost... health care workers are hitting absolute exhaustion. And so many lives have been taken by this virus because we aren't doing enough.”

The actor went on to explain that she believes wearing face coverings has been made into a political issue.

“I really do believe in the basic goodness of people so I know we can all do this BUT still, there are many people in our country refusing to take the necessary steps to flatten the curve, and keep each other safe,” she wrote.

“People seem worried about their 'rights being taken away' by being asked to wear a mask. This simple and effective recommendation is being politicised at the expense of peoples' lives. And it really shouldn't be a debate.”

The Friends alum concluded: ”If you care about human life, please... just wear a damn mask and encourage those around you to do the same.“

Aniston’s comments come as wearing face masks has become a point of debate in the US, with many arguing that being forced to wear one goes against their rights.

President Donald Trump has been pictured wearing a face mask on just one occasion, and has previously said: “I'm choosing not to do it.”

The attitude has been adopted by some of the president's supporters, who feel that by not wearing a mask, they are showing their support for Mr Trump.

This is despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stating that face masks are essential in helping to slow the spread of coronavirus.

“Cloth face coverings may prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing, or coughing,” the CDC’s guidelines state. “If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure can be reduced for the community.”

Aniston is not the only celebrity to have spoken about the importance of wearing face coverings.

Last month, Arnold Schwarzenegger praised California governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to make it mandatory for residents to wear face masks when in public spaces and accused anyone who made it a “political issue” of being a “moron”.

“This is 100 percent the right move,” the Terminator actor wrote in a tweet.

“This will help us beat this terrible virus. The science is unanimous — if we all wear masks, we slow down the spread and can reopen safely. It’s not a political issue. Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read.”