By Hannah DiPilato
Americans everywhere were shocked to wake up to the news of President Donald Trump testing positive for coronavirus. The first lady, Melania Trump, has also tested positive.
With the election coming up in just 32 days, Trump will have to work hard to keep up his campaign while battling the illness. Currently, both President Trump and Melania Trump have only shown mild symptoms.
“Thank you for the love you are sending our way,” said Mrs. Trump in a tweet. “I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery.”
Concern was expressed that candidate Joe Biden may also test positive because he and Trump were together at the debate on September 29. Although they were 12 feet and 8 inches apart and avoiding shaking hands, the candidates were indoors without masks for an extended period of time. However, Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, have both tested negative.
“I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern,” said Biden in a tweet this afternoon. “I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.”
Trump was scheduled to participate in a midday call earlier today with governors regarding coronavirus. However, Trump was not present on the call and instead instructed Vice President, Mike Pence, to lead the call in Trump’s place.
As for the future, Vice President Mike Pence and vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris is set to occur. Nonetheless, the two will be spaced at least 12 feet apart as a safety precaution. The Biden campaign asked for extra spacing because they were concerned the original plan for seven feet of space would not be enough.
Trump is currently in care at Walter Reed medical center and according to Kayleigh McEnany, the White House press secretary, Trump will spend “the next few days” there. His symptoms remain mild with a consistent fever and “fatigue” as described by the White House doctor.
President Trump has known for his prominent social media presence and released one tweet announcing he and the first lady’s positive test and expressing they will be on a quick road to recovery. Trump then posted a video on his Twitter at 6:30 p.m. thanking everyone for their support. “I think I’m doing very well but we’re going to make sure things work out,” said Trump.
Presidential candidate Joe Biden along with many others have shared their sympathy and expressed they hope Trump and his wife get well soon. Former President Barack Obama, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are a few of the people to send well wishes to the White House.
Biden’s campaign even went as far as to take down negative TV ads as Trump is recovering. This was decided prior to Trump being sent to the hospital. Trump’s campaign has not made the same move and all of his ads remain.
As time progresses from Trump testing positive many more cases in public figures are being reported. The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany tested positive for COVID-19 after days of negative tests and not showing symptoms. She continued to avoid wearing a mask even after the President tested positive. Her positive test was announced through her Twitter.
McEnany is one of many that have tested positive following Trump’s result. McEnany’s two deputies Chad Gilmartin and Karoline Leavitt have confirmed they tested positive as well.
