The coronavirus pandemic has hit home for President Trump.
After downplaying the severity of COVID-19 for months, the president and First Lady Melania Trump both tested positive early Friday for the respiratory virus that’s killed more than 200,000 Americans and infected millions more.
The 74-year-old president, who could be at high risk of serious complications from the virus because of his age and body weight, announced the diagnoses in a tweet shortly before 1 a.m., as the November election loomed just 32 days away.
“Tonight, FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19," Trump posted, using an acronym for his wife’s position. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”
Melania Trump, 50, said she and her husband are “feeling good.”
“I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe and we will all get through this together,” she tweeted.
Sean Conley, Trump’s personal physician, confirmed in a letter issued by the White House that the president and first lady “are both well at this time.”
“They plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence,” Conley wrote.
It can take upward of six days for a COVID-19 patient to display symptoms.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and breathing trouble. Most people develop only mild symptoms, but some, usually those who are older or have preexisting medical complications, develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, which can be fatal.
It was not immediately clear if Vice President Mike Pence will step in to take over any of Trump’s duties while he recovers.
Conley suggested Pence won’t have to.
“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 doctor wrote.
Pence offered “love and prayers” to Trump and the first lady.
