US President Donald Trump and wife Melania have tested postive for COVID-19.
Trump confirmed the news in a tweet on Friday evening (NZ time), saying he and the First Lady had returned positive test results.
"We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER."
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
As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) October 2, 2020
US Vice-President Michael Pence has sent his and wife Karen's "love and prayers" to the couple, saying they were joining millions of other Americans in hoping for a full and swift recovery.
"God bless you President Trump and our wonderful First Lady Melania," he wrote.
Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump. We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) October 2, 2020
The news comes just hours after Trump's top advisor, Hope Hicks, tested positive. Shortly after news of her result broke, the President announced he and Melania would enter quarantine.
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
Hicks travels regularly with the President on Air Force One, and accompanied him to Cleveland for the presidential debate earlier this week alongside other senior aides.
The Centre for Disease Control recommends anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case should isolate for 14 days.
The President is scheduled to participate in a second debate with Democrat opponent Joe Biden in Florida on October 15 - the future of which is now up in the air.
He was also scheduled to appear at a number of rallies over the coming days, all of which will now be put on hold.
