PriceSensitive

Trumps returns to White House as press secretary tests positive for COVID-19

Economy
06 October 2020 06:52 (AEST)

President Donald Trump first arriving at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, on Friday, October 2. Source: The Dallas Morning News

U.S. President Donald Trump has been cleared to return to the White House, as another key member of his team tests positive for COVID-19.

The President revealed the news on Twitter ahead of a press meeting with his medical team at the Walter Reed Medical Centre.

In that subsequent briefing, medical professionals informed the press that the President is no longer suffering from any respiratory issues and currently meets all discharge requirements to return home.

Once back at the White House, the President will continue to receive treatment from the on-site medical facility.

The news comes after the President and his wife Melania tested positive for the virus late last week, just one month out from the U.S. election.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has tested positive for COVID-19, as the virus continues to sweep through key members of the U.S. Government.

Despite testing negative numerous times over the past few days, McEnany revealed early on Monday morning, local time, that she had contracted the virus and was now working remotely in self isolation.

McEnany was recently criticised for not wearing a mask during White House press meetings but was quick to assure the public that no members of the press were listed as close contacts by the White House Medical Unit.

McEnany is the eleventh case connected to the recent outbreak at the White House, which began with presidential aide Hope Hicks testing positive last week.

Other key members of the President’s team already confirmed to have contracted the virus include campaign manager Bill Stepien and Republican senators Mike Lee, Thom Tillis and Ron Johnson.

The surge in cases surrounding the President comes as the U.S. continues to post around 40,000 new cases of the virus each day. To date the U.S. has reported more than 210,000 deaths from the virus, making the worst hit country globally, followed by Brazil at around 145,000 deaths.

When the news first broke on Friday that President Trump had contracted the virus, the ASX took a steep downturn before rebounding yesterday on news of his improving condition.

With the global markets seemingly tied to the President’s health, his return to the White House will no doubt be well received by investors, despite the virus’ spread among U.S. officials continuing to worsen.

Related News