
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris have released public statements after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19.
Thursday night on Twitter, Trump announced that he and his wife have contracted the coronavirus and will begin their recovery process immediately.
Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
News of their results came hours after Trump announced that one of his top aides, Hope Hicks, had tested positive for the virus after traveling with him several times this week on Air Force One.
Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
On Friday, Trump’s presidential opponent Biden, as well as Biden’s running mate Harris, wrote messages of support to the president and the first lady, wishing them a speedy recovery.
Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020
Doug and I join Joe Biden and Dr. Biden in wishing President Trump and the First Lady a full and speedy recovery. We’re keeping them and the entire Trump family in our thoughts.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 2, 2020
Both Biden and Harris also confirmed that they and their spouses have all tested negative for COVID-19.
I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020
Both @DouglasEmhoff and I were tested for COVID-19 this morning and thankfully we tested negative. This virus is still very much active across our country, please continue to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 2, 2020
That same day, the first lady revealed she is suffering from “mild symptoms” but is overall feeling well.
Thank you for the love you are sending our way. I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 2, 2020
Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, added on Friday that the president is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19.
On Tuesday, Trump and Biden engaged in a fiery war of words during the first presidential debate in Cleveland. Although they stood a distance apart, neither of the men wore a mask.
Two days later, Trump attended a fundraiser at his golf club at Bedminster, New Jersey, where one attendee told the New York Times that he came into contact with about 100 people. The attendee also told the newspaper that the president appeared lethargic.
Harris and Vice President Mike Pence are scheduled to debate next week, on October 7.
Biden and Trump are slated to return for a town-hall debate on Thursday, October 15, and a final debate on Thursday, October 22.
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