Donald Trump and first lady Melania have tested positive for COVID-19. The POTUS himself confirmed the news on Twitter.
President Donald Trump broke the news via a tweet confirming that he and his wife will begin the quarantine and recovery process. This came at least two hours after he tweeted that Hope Hicks tested positive for the coronavirus.
Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
How Donald Trump contracted COVID-19?
The President did not dive into the details of how he got the virus. He and his wife, Melania, had to be tested after having close contact with Hope Hicks.
Business Insider reports that Hicks was aboard the Air Force One with the President to and from the Presidential Debate on September 29. Hicks is said to be a “close confidant” of the Trump.
She is also a White House counselor.
Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
Aside from the Trumps, Hicks was also reportedly in close contact with Stephen Miller, a White House adviser, and Jason Miller (campaign adviser). The publication highlights that she was seen without a mask while in contact with the aforementioned.
Hicks was also aboard the Air Force One with the President during their Minnesota rally on Wednesday, says Bloomberg News. The news publication’s sources revealed that Hicks “felt poorly” in Minnesota.
She had to be “quarantined aboard the presidential plane on the way home.”
Donald and Melania Trump’s current condition
The White House Physician, Sean Conley, released an official statement confirming the diagnosis on both the President and the FLOTUS.
He says that they are “are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”
His statement further reads:
“The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions.
Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments.”
FLOTUS Melania also tweeted to echo her current situation. She assures the public that she is “feeling good.” She also advised everyone that she has “postponed all upcoming engagements.”
As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) October 2, 2020
Meanwhile, all the other White House staffers who were in close proximity to the presidential couple have already been notified of the results, as confirmed by CNN.
The news outlet quotes White House spokesman Judd Deere’s statement on the actions to be taken:
“White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the President is traveling.”
President Trump has long been criticized for his lax take on wearing masks. During his debate with Joe Biden, multiple publications reported that he “mocked” the former VP for wearing a mask all the time.
“I put a mask on when I think I need it,” Trump said. “Every time you see him, he’s got a mask.”
Bloomberg notes that the President’s entourage entered the debate hall on Tuesday without masks on. When offered masks by the Cleveland clinic doctor, they reportedly refused.
Featured image courtesy of The White House/Flickr