DONALD and Melania Trump are isolating in the White House after testing positive for coronavirus.
The shock news broke just hours after the President told a dinner that “the end of the pandemic is in sight.”
And with just five weeks left until the US election, the positive result throws the campaign into chaos.
The President alerted America just before 1am on Friday, tweeting: “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19".
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
Sean Conley, the President’s doctor said Trump and the First Lady were “both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence”.
He added: “Rest assured I expect the president to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments.”
According to the New York Times, people at the White House had noticed that the Preisdent's voice sounded raspy on Thursday.
At 74-years-old, and being overweight, he is in the high-risk category.
He was tested after one of his closest advisers, Hope Hicks, had a positive result. She had travelled with Trump and family on Air Force One to Ohio on Tuesday to attend the first election TV debate.
Trump has been sceptical of mask wearing and social distancing, and has often tried to play down the dangers of the virus which has so far infected 7.3 million Americans, killing 208,000.
During the debate he openly mocked rival Joe Biden for wearing face coverings.
"I put a mask on, you know, when I think I need it. Tonight is an example, everybody has had a test," Trump said. "I wear a mask when needed. When needed, I wear masks."
"I don't wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he's got a mask," he said, adding that Biden "could be speaking 200 feet away" and then "shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen."
In recent weeks he has held crowded rally despite public health guidelines warning against mass gatherings. He was due to hold another rally in Florida today.
Boris Johnson, who himself has had coronavirus, took to Twitter to wish Trump and Melania well.
“My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus," he said.
My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 2, 2020
Global financial markets immediately fell on the news.
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