Rep. Don Young (R-AK) apologized on Thursday for encouraging Alaskans to “go forth with our everyday activities” despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and mocking the coronavirus as “a beer virus.”
Young posted a video in which he acknowledged that the impact of the disease is “very real.”
“Weeks ago, I did not fully grasp the severity of this crisis,” he said. “But clearly we are in the midst of an urgent public health emergency.”
The GOP lawmaker, who had made the comments during a meeting with senior citizens, said in his apology video that the virus “is especially threatening our senior citizens, which I am one, and those with underlying conditions.”
Young urged people to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines on social distancing.
“Listen to the CDC and stay home,” he said.
During the meeting two weeks ago, Young had accused the media of exaggerating the outbreak. On Thursday, he softened his criticism somewhat.
“These have also been stressful times for our families,” the congressman said. “Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news stories, including social media.”
Watch the video below:
