Donald Trump showing ‘mild symptoms’ as positive COVID-19 test rocks White House
Washington: US President Donald Trump is displaying "mild symptoms" of the coronavirus but is in "good spirits" and remains engaged with his work, according to White House chief-of-staff Mark Meadows.
As of early afternoon in the US capital, Trump has yet to make any public statements about his condition, more than 13 hours since revealing on Twitter that he and wife Melania had tested positive for COVID-19.
US President Donald Trump is in “good spirits” after testing positive for COVID-19, the White House said. Credit:AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
In a tweet Melania Trump said: "I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery."
On Friday morning (Saturday AEST) Vice-President Mike Pence announced that he had tested negative for the virus, as did Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
"I'm happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID," Biden said in a statement.
"Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands."
Earlier in the day Biden and his wife Jill wished the President and first lady a "swift recovery".
"We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family," Biden said on Twitter.
Mark Meadows said he expected more White House staff to test positive for COVID-19. Credit:Bloomberg
"The President does have mild symptoms," Meadows said.
"He continues to be, not only in good spirits, but very energetic.
"I fully expect that, as this virus continues to go on, other people in the White House will certainly have a positive test result, and we've got the mitigation plan in place to make sure the government not only continues to move forward but the work of the American people continues to move forward."
White House officials faced tough questioning about why Trump had attended a fundraising event in New Jersey despite knowing he had been in close contact with Hicks after she had contracted the virus.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said White House operations staff had cleared the President to attend the event, even though public health guidelines suggest he should have gone into quarantine following Hicks' positive result.
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien said: "All previously announced campaign events involving the President's participation are in the process of being moved to virtual events or are being temporarily postponed.
"In addition, previously announced events involving members of the first family are also being temporarily postponed."
Pence plans to resume campaign events, Stepien said.
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