President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania have tested positive for Covid-19.
At approximately 6am Irish time this morning, Trump tweeted confirmation that both he and the First Lady had tested positive for coronavirus.
"Tonight," Trump wrote, "@FLOTUS and I tested positive for Covid-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately.
"We will get through this TOGETHER!"
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1311892190680014849
https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1311900591174680581
The news of Trump's contracting the virus comes after one of his closest aides, Hope Hicks, also tested positive after travelling with the president on Air Force One multiple times.
"Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid-19," Trump tweeted.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1311859538279239686
A statement released by the White House physician Sean Conley said that both the President and First Lady "are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.
"Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering."
https://twitter.com/awzurcher/status/1311896100148830209
President Trump has long been a sceptic of Covid-19; even as recently as last week he told Americans that the virus "affects virtually nobody".
A second presidential debate between President Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden is scheduled for 15 October in Miami. It is not yet clear how Trump's positive test result will affect this.
Other major world leaders have also tested positive for Covid-19. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a severe case of the disease, which ultimately required ICU treatment.
Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for Covid in July.
