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WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will serve “without interruption” while recovering from COVID-19, the doctor told President Sean Conley on Friday (October 2).
Conley’s statement came after Trump tweeted that he and first lady Melania tested positive for the coronavirus.
“The president and the first lady are doing well at the moment and plan to stay at home inside the White House during their convalescence,” Conley said.
Trump, 74, is at high risk of contracting the deadly virus both because of his age and because he is considered overweight. He has been in good health during his tenure, but is not known to exercise regularly or eat a healthy diet.
“The White House medical team and I will remain vigilant, and I appreciate the support provided by some of the best medical professionals and institutions in our country,” Conley said.
“Please be assured that I hope the President will continue to serve without interruption while he recovers, and I will keep you informed of any future developments.”
The development dramatically alters the presidential race.
The White House issued a new schedule for Trump’s activities on Friday that did not include his planned trip to Florida. Trump has held regular rallies across the country to build buzz for his candidacy against his Democratic rival Joe Biden, who is leading in national opinion polls.
READ: US President Trump and his wife Melania test positive for COVID-19 after a senior adviser contracted the virus
READ: Trump’s top aide Hope Hicks tests positive for COVID-19
“WE WILL PASS THROUGH THIS”
Trump previously said he and his wife would be immediately quarantined and begin the “recovery process,” adding: “We will get through this.
Her positive test follows the news that Hope Hicks, a senior counselor and trusted assistant, had tested positive for COVID-19.
Hicks travels regularly with the president on Air Force One and, along with other high-level advisers, accompanied him to Ohio for the presidential debate on Tuesday and to Minnesota for a campaign event on Wednesday.
Trump, who is regularly tested for the virus that causes COVID-19, has held rallies with thousands of people in recent weeks in the run-up to the Nov.3 election, despite warnings from professionals in public health against holding events with large crowds.
READ: Timeline of Trump’s Activities the Week COVID-19 Came Home
READ: Shock, sympathy, mockery: the world reacts to Trump COVID-19 infection
The president largely avoids wearing masks and has criticized others who do. Public health professionals say that wearing face masks is key to helping prevent the spread of the virus.
Trump’s positive test culminates a months-long response to the virus, the severity of which he has consistently underestimated. Earlier Thursday night, the president predicted that the end of the pandemic was in sight.
Trump has come under severe criticism for his response to the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 people in the United States alone. The president has touted his management of the crisis.
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