President Trump tests positive for COVID-19

Updated October 6, 2020

President Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which Trump revealed in a tweet early Friday morning.  

“@FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19,” he said in his post. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

White House physician Sean Conley, DO, FACEP, said in a memorandum released Friday that both Trump and the first lady are doing well and plan to remain at the White House.

“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,” he wrote in the statement. “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 news comes shortly after it was revealed that Hope Hicks, an aide who traveled with Trump on Air Force One to and from the presidential debate on Tuesday, was diagnosed with COVID-19. It has since been confirmed that former Vice President Joseph Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, and his wife, Jill Biden, have tested negative.

Biden posted the announcement on Twitter, encouraging the public to wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash hands.

Trump was admitted to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland on Saturday. Doctors offered conflicting reports throughout the weekend, noting the President has been given experimental drugs and antiviral medication remdesivir. On Sunday, doctors said during a press briefing that they began treatment with a steroid drug to address fluctuating oxygen levels.

Meanwhile, Trump arranged a drive outside the hospital to greet supporters, and sources close to the President said he hopes to be discharged on Monday. 

The President was discharged from the hospital on Monday evening, returning to the White House with showing him taking off his mask for photos. 

Editor's note: Click here for more information and ongoing COVID-19 updates for integrative healthcare professionals.