HARTFORD, Conn — President Donald Trump said early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus, a stunning announcement that plunges the country deeper into uncertainty just a month before the presidential election.
Trump said he and Mrs. Trump were quarantining. The White House physician said the president is expected to continue carrying out his duties “without disruption” while recovering.
Trump was last seen by reporters returning to the White House on Thursday evening and did not appear visibly ill. Trump is 74 years old, putting him at a higher risk of serious complications from a virus that has infected more than 7 million people nationwide.
The president’s physician said in a memo that Trump and the first lady, who is 50, “are both well at this time” and “plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”
Governor Ned Lamont, senators, representatives, local political leaders, and health experts are weighing in this morning.
Dr. Ajay Kumar, the Chief Clinical Director at Hartford Healthcare, spoke with FOX61's Tim Lammers and Ashley Afonso this morning regarding the positive test.
State Senator and doctor Saud Anwar spoke this morning on FOX61 news about the president's positive test.
National Security Expert Lew Nescott offered insight into the president testing positive for COVID-19 and what that means going forward
Governor Ned Lamont
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the President and First Lady, who have tested positive for COVID. Another reminder that this is a highly contagious virus and we must not let our guard down."
Senator Richard Blumenthal
"This news is shocking. I wish the President, First Lady, & everyone in the White House a speedy recovery. If this disease can reach the White House, it can infect anyone in any house. Please remember to wear masks, physical distance, & follow other public health guidelines."
Senator Chris Murphy
Sen. Murphy stated on his Twitter late Friday morning that no business, including the passage of the president's SCOTUS nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, should proceed until the "full scope of the crisis" is understood.
"There will be a lot to say about this, but let’s start here: The President and the First Lady have a serious, deadly virus and we should all hope for a full recovery."
Representative John Larson
“I am sending well wishes to the President and First Lady for a healthy and speedy recovery.”
Representative Jahana Hayes
Rep. Hayes had recently battled COVID-19, documenting her progress on her Twitter page
"I wouldn’t wish this virus on anyone. Praying for the President, his family and staff for negative results and a quick recovery."