President Joe Biden quipped about not wearing a mask, despite it being recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after being exposed to COVID-19.

"Let me explain to the press: I've been tested again today," Biden said Wednesday at the White House. "I'm clear across the board. But they keep telling me, because this has to be 10 days or something, I've got to keep wearing it. But don't tell them I didn't have it on when I walked in."

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Biden's comments, made before remarks commemorating the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association's new labor contract covering West Coast ports, came minutes after White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre underscored the importance of adhering to CDC guidance and "the science."

Biden was criticized last Tuesday for taking his mask off to award Army Captain Larry L. Taylor the Medal of Honor after being exposed to COVID-19 through first lady Jill Biden.

"He left when there was a pause in the program in order to minimize his close contact with attendees," Jean-Pierre said.

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Biden will test again for COVID-19 on Thursday before his scheduled departure for India and Vietnam, but he has not complained of any symptoms, the press secretary added.

Jean-Pierre declined to detail contingencies should Biden test positive before the Group of 20 leaders's summit in New Delhi, including whether Vice President Kamala Harris, who is in Indonesia, would attend in his stead, though she did say he would wear a mask.