| UPDATED: 10:38, Sun, Mar 14, 2021 Link copied Bill Gates says he’s ‘surprised’ by Covid-19 conspiracies Sign up to receive our rundown of the day's top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Face masks have been seen as a vital defence in stopping the spread of the deadly coronavirus, which has killed over 500,000 Americans. As President, Donald Trump resisted enforcing compulsory mask wearing in the US and often made public appearances without one. The issue of face masks soon became politicised and a controversial topic, although states eventually started introducing orders for people to wear face masks in public.