U.S President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for the coronavirus.
The president made the announcement this evening to his 86 million Twitter followers. The pair were already suspected of contracting the virus, prior to their test result, after the president's top advisor, Hope Hicks, tested positive for the respiratory illness, on Thursday, after returning from a rally in Minnesota.
Ms. Hicks was in constant contact with both Trump and Melania since Tuesday's heated debate with former Vice President Biden. Hicks even flew on Air Force One following President Trump's rally in Minnesota.
In a memo released to the media, President Trump’s physician said he expected the president to make a full recovery and carry out his duties, while quarantined “without disruption."
“The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence,” the Physician To The President, Sean Conley wrote.
Critics of the president quickly pounced on today's announcement by trolling him on Twitter and outline his lack of seriousness in fighting the virus, especially his decision not to wear masks in large crowds like indoor rallies, and for constantly teasing people, like Democratic Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, for always having a mask on.
Talks about succession if the president and Vice President Pence die of the virus have already begun on Twitter.
Given Trump’s age, 77, and reports of having an unhealthy diet that rarely consists of vegetables, and him being overweight, past cases show that people with a similar lifestyle like Trump, are more at a higher risk of dying from the virus.
So far, the virus has killed more than 200,000 Americans and infected more than 7 million, making the U.S the world’s worst-hit country by the pandemic.
By: Niza Nondo
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