During last Monday's press conference, sign language interpreter Irma Sluis (49) drew extra attention—not just for her praised work amid the COVID-19 crisis, but for a brief cough that sparked widespread online debate.
While Prime Minister Mark Rutte outlined tightened COVID measures, Irma coughed into her fist rather than her elbow, prompting criticism for seemingly ignoring the rules she interprets for viewers. Addressing the now-infamous 'Cough Gate,' Irma shares: "I'm not sick. It was just a throat tickle that made me nervous." She explains the reflex was unconscious: "It happened so quickly—otherwise, I'd fall behind Rutte's pace by four sentences."
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Irma acknowledges the uproar: "These things happen, and it's unfortunate." She confirms no risk to the Prime Minister, noting her family recently had colds but her COVID test was negative. "I hope it's forgotten by tomorrow," she adds.
