Boris Johnson offers 'best wishes' to Donald Trump after US President tests positive for coronavirus

Rebecca Speare-Cole2 October 2020

Boris Johnson has offered his "best wishes" to Donald and Melania Trump after they tested positive for coronavirus.

The US president announced his diagnosis in a tweet in the early hours of Friday, following a positive test from one of his closest aides.

Hope Hicks returned a positive test on Thursday, with Mr Trump later tweeting: “@FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

Mr Trump's Covid-19 diagnosis is the latest among world leaders.

Mr Johnson himself was admitted to intensive care after contracting the disease.

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also fell ill, as did Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter on Friday: "My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus."

Vice President Mike Pence also led the support. for Mr Trump, tweeting on Friday: "Karen and I send our love and prayers to our dear friends President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump. We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery.

"God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania."

European Council President Charles Michel also tweeted saying: "Wishing @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a speedy recovery. #COVIDー19 is a battle we all continue to fight. Everyday. No matter where we live."

Vladimir Putin extended wishes of a speedy recovery to Mr Trump and his wife, expressing “sincere support in this difficult moment”, according to a statement released by the Kremlin.

It said the Russian president sent Mr Trump a telegram saying: “I hope that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with the dangerous virus.”

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Wishing my friend @POTUS @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS a quick recovery and good health.”

Multiple White House staffers have tested positive for the virus, including Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary, as well as one of the president’s personal valets.

Boris Johnson and Donald Trump
Getty Images

Ms Hicks travelled with the president multiple times this week, including aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter, for a Minnesota rally on Wednesday, and aboard Air Force One to Tuesday night’s first presidential debate against Joe Biden.

The virus has killed more than 200,000 Americans and infected more than seven million nationwide.

The First Lady also tweeted after their diagnosis. She said: "As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together."

Sean Conley, physician to the president, said: “The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.

“The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions.

“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.”

In a statement, White House spokesman Judd Deere said: “The president takes the health and safety of himself and everyone who works in support of him and the American people very seriously.”

“White House Operations collaborates with the physician to the president and the White House Military Office to ensure all plans and procedures incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting Covid-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible both on complex and when the president is travelling,” he added.

Mr Trump’s age and weight are likely to put his medical team on alert as they monitor his condition.

Some studies suggest Covid-19 patients who are obese may be at higher risk of being seriously affected by the virus, although it is unclear whether that is because they are more likely to have other health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. In his 2019 physical, Mr Trump met the technical threshold for obesity.

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