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Donald and Melania Trump showing 'mild' Covid symptoms as US election upended – live Donald and Melania Trump showing 'mild' Covid symptoms as US election upended – live
(32 minutes later)
Trump events in the process of being moved to virtual or postponed, campaign manager says, while Pence will continue with his scheduleTrump events in the process of being moved to virtual or postponed, campaign manager says, while Pence will continue with his schedule
Dr Scott Atlas gave an interview to Fox News earlier today, in which the White House adviser predicted the president and the first lady would make “a complete, full and rapid recovery” and said there is “zero reason to panic.”
But Fox News anchor Chris Wallace, who moderated Tuesday’s presidential debate, took issue with trusting Atlas as a source of information.
“I’m going to say something, and folks, I’m just trying to give you the truth,” Wallace said. “Dr Scott Atlas is not an epidemiologist, is not an infectious disease specialist. He has no training in this area at all.”
Wallace referenced reports indicating other members of the White House coronavirus task force have raised concerns about Atlas’ credibility.
“I very much hope everything he says is true,” Wallace added. “One, he can’t know because the president is just in the earliest stages of this. And two, you know, I understand the desire of the White House and its political people to try to talk this down.”
Wallace then urged viewers to follow the advice of health experts like Drs Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx. “Listen to the independent people who do not have a political ax to grind, and I frankly don’t think Scott Atlas is one of those people,” Wallace said.
The Office of the Attending Physician on Capitol Hill has offered an update on coronavirus testing for lawmakers and their staffers.
“The Office of Attending Physician presently provides coronavirus testing utilizing a sample obtained from the deep recesses of a patient’s nose, in a testing facility that follows CDC guidelines for healthcare personnel,” the update says.
“The testing is available in medically indicated cases of Members who have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus or who are concerned they may have been exposed to a known positive Covid 19 patient. ... Other staff members who have been in contact with a known positive case here at the Capitol are also offered testing.”
However, there are still no mandated coronavirus tests for members of Congress and their staffers.
The White House released a statement saying vice-president Mike Pence is not required to quarantine, despite Trump’s positive coronavirus test result.The White House released a statement saying vice-president Mike Pence is not required to quarantine, despite Trump’s positive coronavirus test result.
“Earlier this morning under my care, Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for COVID-19,” Dr Jesse T Schonau said in the statement.“Earlier this morning under my care, Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for COVID-19,” Dr Jesse T Schonau said in the statement.
“Under the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Vice President is not considered a close contact with any individuals who have tested positive for COVID, including President Donald J. Trump. Vice President Mike Pence does not need to quarantine.“Under the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Vice President is not considered a close contact with any individuals who have tested positive for COVID, including President Donald J. Trump. Vice President Mike Pence does not need to quarantine.
“Vice President Mike Pence remains in good health and is free to go about his normal activities.”“Vice President Mike Pence remains in good health and is free to go about his normal activities.”
The Trump campaign previously said the president’s events would be postponed or moved to a virtual setting but the vice president planned to continue with his campaign travel.The Trump campaign previously said the president’s events would be postponed or moved to a virtual setting but the vice president planned to continue with his campaign travel.
According to the Washington Post, there were at least two private receptions at the White House on Saturday to celebrate the supreme court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.According to the Washington Post, there were at least two private receptions at the White House on Saturday to celebrate the supreme court nomination of Amy Coney Barrett.
The events were attended by a number of senior officials, and few guests wore masks or observed social distancing.The events were attended by a number of senior officials, and few guests wore masks or observed social distancing.
Several people who were at the White House on Saturday -- including the president, the first lady, Republican senator Mike Lee and the president of the University of Notre Dame -- have now tested positive for the virus.Several people who were at the White House on Saturday -- including the president, the first lady, Republican senator Mike Lee and the president of the University of Notre Dame -- have now tested positive for the virus.
Briefly speaking to reporters moments ago, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Trump’s decision to move forward with a New Jersey fundraiser after learning his top aide had tested positive for coronavirus.Briefly speaking to reporters moments ago, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended Trump’s decision to move forward with a New Jersey fundraiser after learning his top aide had tested positive for coronavirus.
McEnany said the “White House operations” team determined it was safe for the president to travel to New Jersey and hold the fundraiser yesterday, despite Hope Hicks’ positive test result.McEnany said the “White House operations” team determined it was safe for the president to travel to New Jersey and hold the fundraiser yesterday, despite Hope Hicks’ positive test result.
McEnany also denied knowledge of Hicks’ illness at the time of her White House briefing yesterday morning.McEnany also denied knowledge of Hicks’ illness at the time of her White House briefing yesterday morning.
The press secretary deflected questions about the timeline of notification during a Fox News interview shortly before talking to reporters at the White House.The press secretary deflected questions about the timeline of notification during a Fox News interview shortly before talking to reporters at the White House.
“Yeah, I don’t know the answer to that,” McEnany told Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, who asked when Trump learned Hicks had tested positive. “I’m not going to get into an exact timeline.”“Yeah, I don’t know the answer to that,” McEnany told Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner, who asked when Trump learned Hicks had tested positive. “I’m not going to get into an exact timeline.”
As the Trump campaign postpones its events in light of the president contracting coronavirus, Biden is en route to Michigan, where the Democratic nominee will deliver a speech on the economy this afternoon.As the Trump campaign postpones its events in light of the president contracting coronavirus, Biden is en route to Michigan, where the Democratic nominee will deliver a speech on the economy this afternoon.
Biden was photographed wearing a mask as he boarded his campaign plane moments ago, after he tested negative for coronavirus this morning.Biden was photographed wearing a mask as he boarded his campaign plane moments ago, after he tested negative for coronavirus this morning.
Biden shared a debate stage with Trump on Tuesday, but the two nominees were instructed not to shake hands and to remain several feet apart from each other.Biden shared a debate stage with Trump on Tuesday, but the two nominees were instructed not to shake hands and to remain several feet apart from each other.
The president’s campaign has announced any events involving Trump or his family will be postponed or held in a virtual setting.The president’s campaign has announced any events involving Trump or his family will be postponed or held in a virtual setting.
“All previously announced campaign events involving the President’s participation are in the process of being moved to virtual events or are being temporarily postponed,” campaign manager Bill Stepien said in a statement.“All previously announced campaign events involving the President’s participation are in the process of being moved to virtual events or are being temporarily postponed,” campaign manager Bill Stepien said in a statement.
“In addition, previously announced events involving members of the First Family are also being temporarily postponed. All other campaign events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we will make any relevant announcements in the days ahead.”“In addition, previously announced events involving members of the First Family are also being temporarily postponed. All other campaign events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we will make any relevant announcements in the days ahead.”
Stepien noted vice-president Mike Pence would continue with his campaign schedule because he has tested negative, although it can take several days for coronavirus symptoms to develop.Stepien noted vice-president Mike Pence would continue with his campaign schedule because he has tested negative, although it can take several days for coronavirus symptoms to develop.
Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee, who has announced he’s tested positive for coronavirus, has been buzzing around the White House and Capitol Hill for the last week.Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee, who has announced he’s tested positive for coronavirus, has been buzzing around the White House and Capitol Hill for the last week.
Here’s the maskless busy been from the Beehive State with supreme court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.Here’s the maskless busy been from the Beehive State with supreme court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
The two met up on Capitol Hill but Lee also attended the event where Donald Trump nominated Barrett at the White House last Saturday.The two met up on Capitol Hill but Lee also attended the event where Donald Trump nominated Barrett at the White House last Saturday.
This extraordinary plot twist, just as questions are pouring in about the event at the White House last Saturday evening where Donald Trump announced federal judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee for the supreme court, to fill the seat vacated by the death of liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg two weeks ago.This extraordinary plot twist, just as questions are pouring in about the event at the White House last Saturday evening where Donald Trump announced federal judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee for the supreme court, to fill the seat vacated by the death of liberal icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg two weeks ago.
Barrett was taken to Capitol Hill by Mike Pence earlier this week to meet Senator majority leader Mitch McConnell.Barrett was taken to Capitol Hill by Mike Pence earlier this week to meet Senator majority leader Mitch McConnell.
The Republican donors who attended Trump’s fundraising event in New Jersey yesterday are reportedly panicking following news that the president has tested positive for coronavirus.The Republican donors who attended Trump’s fundraising event in New Jersey yesterday are reportedly panicking following news that the president has tested positive for coronavirus.
CNBC reports:CNBC reports:
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has instructed those who attended the fundraising event to “take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested.”New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has instructed those who attended the fundraising event to “take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested.”
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Donald and Melania Trump are experiencing “mild symptoms” after testing positive for coronavirus. The president announced overnight that he had tested positive for coronavirus after one of his top aides, Hope Hicks, contracted the virus.Donald and Melania Trump are experiencing “mild symptoms” after testing positive for coronavirus. The president announced overnight that he had tested positive for coronavirus after one of his top aides, Hope Hicks, contracted the virus.
Joe and Jill Biden tested negative for coronavirus. Biden shared a debate stage with Trump on Tuesday, but the two presidential nominees were instructed not to shake hands and to remain several feet apart from each other.Joe and Jill Biden tested negative for coronavirus. Biden shared a debate stage with Trump on Tuesday, but the two presidential nominees were instructed not to shake hands and to remain several feet apart from each other.
The US unemployment rate fell to 7.9% in September. The latest report from the labor department, which was overshadowed by news of Trump contracting coronavirus, showed the US economy added just 661,000 jobs last month.The US unemployment rate fell to 7.9% in September. The latest report from the labor department, which was overshadowed by news of Trump contracting coronavirus, showed the US economy added just 661,000 jobs last month.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Democratic nominee Joe Biden is moving forward with his plans to travel to Michigan today, after testing negative for coronavirus.
According to a pool report, Biden’s motorcade was en route to the airport as of about 20 minutes ago.
Biden was scheduled to travel to Grand Rapids, Michigan, today to deliver a speech on the economy and attend a “mobilization event.”
There had been speculation that Biden would scrap the trip after the president announced he had tested positive for coronavirus.
But the nominee is traveling as planned after his doctor announced Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, had tested negative for coronavirus.
Again, it’s important to note that additional testing will likely be required to ensure Biden did not contract the virus at Tuesday’s debate because it can take several days to develop coronavirus symptoms.
The president of the University of Notre Dame, Rev John Jenkins, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a White House event on Saturday.
The university said in a statement that Jenkins received a test after learning a colleague had tested positive for the virus. He plans to isolate as he recovers.
“My symptoms are mild and I will continue work from home,” Jenkins said. “The positive test is a good reminder for me and perhaps for all of how vigilant we need to be.”
Jenkins attended Saturday’s event in the White House Rose Garden, where Trump announced Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the supreme court.
The university president received criticism for not wearing a mask and for shaking hands while at the event, and he later apologized for ignoring coronavirus guidelines.
Senator Mike Lee, who has also tested positive for coronavirus, was at the Rose Garden event as well.
Trump is not participating in a call with New York governor Andrew Cuomo that he was scheduled to join moments ago, according to a New York Times reporter.
Vice-president Mike Pence joined the call with the Democratic governor instead.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said earlier today that the president is in “good spirits and is very energetic,” continuing his work while he recovers.
According to Bloomberg News, White House aides said Trump seemed “exhausted” on Wednesday, but they attributed it to his rigorous campaign schedule.
It’s important to note that Joe Biden and others who have recently been in contact with the president will likely require further testing.
It can take several days after initial exposure for symptoms, and a positive coronavirus test result, to emerge.
From the co-founder of the Covid Tracking Project:
After his campaign confirmed he had tested negative for coronavirus, Joe Biden thanked everyone who had expressed concern for his health.
“I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID,” Biden said in a tweet. “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’s personal physician confirmed the Democratic nominee and his wife, Jill Biden, have tested negative for coronavirus.
“Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected,” Dr Kevin O’Connor said in a statement released by the Biden campaign.
O’Connor added, “I am reporting this out in my capacity as both Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden’s primary care physician.”
Biden saw Trump on Tuesday, when the two participated in the first presidential debate, but there was minimal contact between the two nominees because they were instructed not to shake hands and to stay several feet apart from each other.
Democratic nominee Joe Biden has tested negative for coronavirus, according to an NBC News reporter.
Biden spent 90 minutes on a debate stage with Trump on Tuesday, but the two nominees were instructed not to shake hands and to remain several feet apart from each other.
Senator Mike Lee was at the White House on Saturday for the announcement of Amy Coney Barrett’s supreme court nomination.
Lee hugged some of the guests at the Rose Garden event while holding his mask in his hand, disregarding coronavirus guidelines to wear a mask while in close proximity to others.
Senator Mike Lee met with supreme court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on Tuesday, two days before Lee tested positive for coronavirus.
That meeting could have put Barrett at risk of contracting coronavirus, raising the possibility that the judge will have to isolate in the days ahead.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and judiciary committee chairman Lindsey Graham have said Barrett’s confirmation hearings will start as planned on October 12.
Republican senator Mike Lee of Utah announced that he has also tested positive for coronavirus.
Lee said he sought a test yesterday after he experienced symptoms that he initially mistook for allergies.
“Unlike the test I took just a few days ago while visiting the White House, yesterday’s test came back positive,” Lee said in a statement posted to Twitter.
Lee said he would isolate for the next 10 days and would return to the Senate judiciary committee in time for supreme court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings, which are scheduled to start on October 12.