Donald Trump has told supporters he is “doing very well” after being diagnosed with the coronavirus. The president was pictured giving the ‘thumbs up’ as he left the White House for the hospital by helicopter,
Soon after the helicopter departed, a video was posted on Mr Trump’s Twitter account in which he told supporters, “I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I’m going to Walter Reed hospital.
“I think I’m doing very well but we’re going to make sure that things work out, the First Lady is doing very well, so thank you very much I appreciate it, I will never forget it.”
A White House statement also said, “Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the president will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.”
Kayleigh McEnany, Mr Trump’s press secretary, told reporters, “President Trump remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day.”
She added that he appreciated the “outpouring of support” for him and Mrs Trump.
According to Mr Trump’s physician, Dr Sean P. Conley, the president has been injected with an experimental antibody cocktail of drugs – a single 8g dose of a Regeneron cocktail which he completed “without incident”.
He has also been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine (which decreases stomach acid production), melatonin (a natural hormone that can help with sleep) and a daily aspirin.
Dr Conley said, “He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the president and First Lady in regards to next best steps.
“Melania Trump remains well with only a mild cough and headache. The remainder of the first family are well and tested negative for coronavirus.”
At least two senators, three journalists, and the president of the University of Notre Dame have also tested positive.
Mr Trump’s election rival, Joe Biden confirmed he has tested negative for the virus, along with his wife Jill.
Mr Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate, told reporters that Mr Trump’s illness was a “bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously”.
He added: “Be patriotic, it’s not about being a tough guy, it’s about doing your part, wearing a mask not only protects you but it protects those around you.”
During the first debate, Mr Trump demeaned Mr Biden for frequently wearing masks and not having campaign rallies that matched his own in size.
The president has regularly refused to wear a mask, has continued to shake hands with visitors despite public health officials warning against it, and also initially resisted being tested.
Mr Trump’s illness will have an effect on his campaigning, a month ahead of the presidential election but Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative, “plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events”.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who himself went to hospital with coronavirus, and Russian President Vladimir Putin offered messages of support.
