WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump said early Friday morning that he and his wife, Melania, have tested positive for COVID-19, after a close aide had contracted the virus.
“We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately,” he tweeted. “We will get through this TOGETHER!”
The announcement came hours after the president confirmed that White House counselor Hope Hicks had contracted the virus.
In a memo, White House physician Sean Conley said he received confirmation on Thursday evening that the couple have tested positive for the virus.
“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,” Conley said.
“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,” the physician said.
In an earlier Tweet, Trump had confirmed that Hicks had tested positive for COVID-19.
Hicks, the closest aide to Trump to have tested positive for the virus, traveled with Trump multiple times this week, including aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter, for a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday, and aboard Air Force One to Tuesday night’s first 2020 presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio.
