Melania Trump has urged Americans to practice "responsible behaviours" and be safe during the holiday season as she accompanies the US President on his frenetic race to front nationwide rallies ahead of the election.
The First Lady, 50, cautioned supporters of her husband's administration during a speech at Kingsheart Farm in Wisconsin on Friday (local time), many of whom were wearing masks amid the United States' ongoing battle to contain its raging COVID-19 epidemic.
"For families participating in Halloween festivities this year, I encourage you to visit the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] website to read the latest safety guidelines," Melania said.
"'As we approach the holiday season, we must all do our part to ensure we practice responsible, safe behaviours."
Her warning came as the US recorded more than 99,000 new cases on Friday - its highest daily number of infections since the beginning of the pandemic.
Melania also had a few words for Donald Trump's Democratic opponents, blasting politicians who have questioned the safety of a vaccine released under her husband's administration, noting that a vaccine will help to save lives as the country's COVID death toll climbs over 230,000.
"Shame on anyone who casts doubt on the potential effectiveness of a vaccine just because it would come under my husband’s leadership," she said.
"'The success of a vaccine will save millions of lives and we should all work towards that together as one nation."
She then lashed out at Trump's presidential rival Joe Biden, accusing the 77-year-old candidate of "hiding in his basement". The Democrat has been playing it safe by largely electioneering from the safety of his hometown in Delaware, holding small, socially-distanced events while Trump zig-zags across the country in the final frenzied days before the election.
"Joe Biden said this will be a dark winter. That is not the statement of a leader. He wants to make us hide in fear in our basements rather than work bravely within our communities to find lasting solutions. His solution is to move backwards and to shut things down," Melania declared.
"Biden says he could do a better job leading our great nation. Apparently, when you hide in a basement, you feel safe communicating your wishful thinking."
She defended her husband, who has faced widespread condemnation for his response to the pandemic, saying his approach would focus on "mental health" as much as physical wellbeing.
"This President is focused on not just destroying the virus, but creating ways for people to safely start gathering with friends again. This is about mental health as much as it is about the physical wellbeing of people," she said.
The Trumps both tested positive for COVID-19 in early October, the First Lady only now returning to the campaign trail following her diagnosis. She appeared alongside the President in Florida and North Carolina on Thursday, before heading to Pennsylvania to barnstorm several swing states.
Yet Trump continues to draw criticism for his response to the virus, falsely accusing doctors of profiting from COVID-19 deaths and attacking the country's medical system during a speech in Michigan.
"Our doctors get more money if someone dies from COVID," he claimed.
Despite the latest record-breaking surge in cases, Trump - who has played down the severity of the health crisis for months - has told supporters in recent weeks that the country is "turning the corner".
