Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is calling for a nationwide protective mask mandate, citing health experts predictions that it could save 40,000 lives from coronavirus over the next three months, according to AP.

"Wearing the mask is less about you contracting the virus," Biden said. "It's about preventing other people from getting sick."

He also responded to those who push back against such mandates.

"This is America. Be a patriot. Protect your fellow citizens. Step up, do the right thing. Every single American should be wearing a mask when they're outside for the next three months at a minimum, every governor should mandate mandatory mask wearing,” Biden declared.