President Trump tweeted Thursday night that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Why it matters: The president is 74 years old, which generally puts him at higher risk for severe illness from the virus, according to CDC guidelines.
What he's saying: "Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!," the president's tweet read.
The state of play: The statement comes hours after it was revealed that Hope Hicks, one of the president's closest aides, tested positive for the virus. Hicks traveled with Trump on Air Force One to and from Tuesday's presidential debate. She also accompanied Trump to his Minnesota rally on Wednesday.
- Several people in the White House have tested positive for COVID-19 since the outbreak began in the U.S., including national security adviser Robert O'Brien, Vice President Pence's press secretary Katie Miller, and one of President Trump's personal valets.
Where it stands: Trump joins the ranks of several of his counterparts around the globe to have contracted COVID-19, including Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was hospitalized in April.
The big picture: Trump has been criticized for holding large rallies that violate social distancing guidelines through much of the pandemic, and for refusing to wear a mask in many public appearances.
Bird E-Commerce
Robin Bird Head - Free photo on Pixabay
