WASHINGTON (CN) — The White House said Friday evening that President Donald Trump will spend several days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center based on advice from his doctors after he tested positive for Covid-19.
“President Trump remains in good spirts, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day. Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the president will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days. President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady,” White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement.
When asked if there would be a transfer of power to Vice President Mike Pence, White House spokesman Judd Deere responded: “Absolutely not.”
Heading to Walter Reed on Friday evening, President Trump was photographed walking out of the White House and toward Marine One wearing a mask.
Shortly after, the president tweeted a video giving thanks for well-wishes.
“I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I’m going to Walter Reed. I think I’m doing very well. But we’re going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well. Thank you very much, I appreciate it. I will never forget, thank you,” he said.
First Lady Melania Trump also tested positive early Friday. She and the president join over 7 million Americans who have contracted the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his wife Jill both tested negative for Covid-19 on Friday morning, according to a statement from Biden’s doctor released by his campaign.
Upon reports that Trump would be sent to Walter Reed, Biden tweeted: “This cannot be a partisan moment. It must be an American moment. We have to come together as a nation.”
As a clinically obese 74-year-old man, Trump’s diagnosis puts him at a high risk for complications from the virus, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Melania Trump is 50 years old and more physically fit, making her risk factor for complications from the virus somewhat lower.
Sean Conley, the White House physician, issued a memo early Friday after the president revealed his diagnosis on Twitter, saying Trump would be able to continue his duties without disruption while recovering in White House residence. Later on Friday, Conley described the president as “fatigued but in good spirits.”
Conley administered a single dose of an experimental Regeneron antibody cocktail as a precautionary step on Friday. The drug is currently under Phase II and III review in four clinical trials and its efficacy has not been determined by any regulatory body like the Food and Drug Administration, according to Regeneron’s website.
It is unclear how the president obtained the drug, but Regeneron has said the antibody cocktail is made available through its “compassionate use” program and under board committee approval.
Trump received eight grams via injection, the highest possible dose. The president is reportedly only taking a limited number of other, unrelated supplements including zinc, vitamin D and melatonin. Trump also takes a heartburn drug and daily aspirin.
Trump said in the wee hours of Friday morning that he and the first lady would begin the quarantine process immediately. The CDC recommends a 14-day quarantine period for those exposed to the virus or symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers. It is unclear if Trump will observe the full two weeks of isolation, considering the Nov. 3 election is less than five weeks away.
He had been expected to hit the campaign trial in Florida on Friday as the clock winds down to Election Day. He also had plans to travel to the key battleground of Wisconsin for a rally and then onto Arizona on Sunday.
