Trump begins Remdesivir therapy while spending the night in the hospital

The next steps in Trump's COVID-19 treatment

Follow Sunday's updates here.

President Trump was flown on Friday to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where the White House said he will be monitored for the next few days for COVID-19 symptoms. It's the most serious health crisis a president has faced since President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. 

The White House physician said Friday night that Mr. Trump has begun Remdesivir therapy, and has taken one dose of the antiviral. The physician added that Mr. Trump is "doing very well" and has not required supplemental oxygen. 

White House spokesperson Kayleigh McEnany said earlier Friday that Mr. Trump has "mild symptoms," and was being transferred to Walter Reed Medical Center "out of an abundance of caution and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts." 

White House sources said Mr. Trump was suffering from a low-grade fever. The White House physician said earlier he was feeling "fatigued" and would be taking an antibody cocktail. 

Late Friday, former Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conyway said she had tested positive for the coronavirus. Conway said she too had "mild" symptoms, which she said included a "light cough." 

Conway was at the Rose Garden event last Saturday when Mr. Trump announced he would be nominating Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Two Republican senators at that event, Thom Tillis and Mike Lee, have tested positive as well. 

Vice President Mike Pence, who would take over for Mr. Trump if he were incapacitated or deemed unable to carry out the duties of the presidency, said Friday he had tested negative for the virus. 

Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who was with Mr. Trump at the debate on Tuesday, said Friday he and his wife had tested negative for the coronavirus. The Biden campaign halted its negative ads on Friday, and Biden tweeted a call for unity.

Latest updates:

Fin Gomez and Tucker Reals contributed to this report. 

 

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien tests positive for COVID-19

Bill Stepien, President Trump's campaign manager, has tested positive for COVID-19,  according to a senior campaign official. Stepien, 42, plans to quarantine until he recovers.

Stepien was diagnosed Friday and had experienced "mild flu-like symptoms," the senior campaign official said. 

Deputy campaign manager Justin Clark is expected to oversee the Trump team's headquarters while Stepien works from home, though campaign officials indicate he will still lead the campaign operation.

In the coming days, the campaign plans to launch surrogates for in-person events, including Vice President Mike Pence, Trump's sons Don Jr. and Eric and the president's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump.

By Nicole Sganga
 

White House physician says Trump has started Remdesivir therapy, is doing "very well"

President Trump's physician said Friday night that the president has started Remdesivir therapy, but is doing "very well," according to a statement tweeted by Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. 

"This evening I am happy to report that the President is doing very well," he wrote. "He is not requiring any supplemental oxygen, but in consultation with specialists we have elected to initiate Remdesivir therapy. He has completed his first dose and is resting comfortably." 

By Victoria Albert
 

President Trump tweets update from the hospital: "Going well, I think!"

President Trump tweeted an update from the hospital late Friday night. "Going welI, I think! Thank you to all. LOVE!!!" the president wrote.  

 
This is the first time the president has tweeted since he was hospitalized after contracting the coronavirus. Hours earlier, he tweeted a video of himself in the White House in which he said "I think I'm doing very well, but we're going to make sure that things work out." 

By Victoria Albert
 

Kellyanne Conway tests positive for COVID-19

Kellyanne Conway, former senior adviser to President Trump, tweeted late Friday that she tested positive for COVID-19. 

"My symptoms are mild (light cough) and I'm feeling fine. I have begun a quarantine process in consultation with physicians," she said. 

She is the latest member of the Trump orbit to test positive, after top aide Hope Hicks tested positive on Thursday. 

Attorney General William Barr speaks with Kellyanne Conway after President Donald Trump announced Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court, in the Rose Garden at the White House, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Washington. Alex Brandon / AP
By Caroline Linton
 

Eric and Lara Trump test negative for COVID-19

President Trump's son Eric Trump and his wife, Lara, have both tested negative for the coronavirus, a spokesperson for the couple said. 

"Eric and Lara are praying for their father and father-in-law, respectively. At this time, they both have negative COVID tests and will be taking all necessary precautions, under the advisement of medical professionals," the spokesperson said. 

Donald Trump Jr. announced earlier he had tested negative. His girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, contracted COVID-19 in July. 

By Caroline Linton
 

Senator Thom Tillis tests positive for COVID-19

Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who attended the Rose Garden ceremony for President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, TIllis said he has had no symptoms so far. He said he had a negative test on Saturday.

"I will be following the recommendations of my doctor and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and notifying those I've been in close contact with," Tillis said.

Tillis is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is set to start hearings on Barrett's nomination on October 12. 

Another Republican senator, Mike Lee of Utah, announced Friday he had tested positive for the coronavirus. 

By Caroline Linton
 

Attendees of Trump fundraiser in New Jersey contacted about Trump's diagnosis

President Trump attended a fundraiser in Bedminster, New Jersey, on Thursday, hours before he announced he tested positive for COVID-19. Organizers of the Trump Victory fundraiser sent an email Friday to attendees encouraging them to "contact your medical provider if you or any of your loved ones is ill or develops a fever, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms."

While the Biden campaign took down negative ads on Friday, the Trump campaign did not do the same. Trump campaign communications director Tim  Murtaugh said Friday that "Joe Biden used his speech in Michigan today to attack the President repeatedly on Social Security, the economy, and job creation. Now Biden wants credit for being magnanimous?"

By Nicole Sganga
 

Obama tweets message of support for Trump

Former President Obama, who participated in a virtual fundraiser Friday night with Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, tweeted a message of support for President Trump.

"Michelle and I hope that the President, First Lady, and all those affected by the coronavirus around the country are getting the care they need and are on the path to a speedy recovery," Mr. Obama tweeted. "Obviously, we're in the midst of a big political battle right now, and while there's a lot at stake, let's remember that we're all Americans. We're all human beings. And we want everyone to be healthy, no matter our party."

By Caroline Linton
 

Lindsey Graham says Barrett confirmation hearings will proceed as scheduled

Senate Judiciary Committee chair Lindsey Graham announced on Friday that the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be the next Supreme Court justice will take place as scheduled, beginning on October 12. 

Graham said that he had tested negative for the virus.

GOP Senator Mike Lee, of Utah, a member of the Judiciary Committee, tested positive for the virus on Friday. Graham said in a tweet that "any senator who wants to participate virtually will be allowed to do so."

Earlier on Friday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Judiciary Committee ranking member Dianne Feinstein asked Graham to postpone the hearings in light of Mr. Trump's positive test. Barrett also tested negative for the virus on Friday.

By Grace Segers
 

Trump releases video saying he is "doing very well"

President Trump tweeted a video of himself in the White House thanking the public for its support and offering a brief explanation for his temporary move to Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.

"I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I'm going to Walter Reed Hospital. I think I'm doing very well, but we're going to make sure that things work out" Mr. Trump said in the video. He added that first lady Melania Trump is also "doing very well."

The tweet of the video was Mr. Trump's first tweet since he announced that he and the first lady tested positive for the virus shortly before 1:00 in the morning on Friday.

By Grace Segers
 

Trump to be transferred to a medical executive treatment unit

President Trump will spend the next few days at a medical executive treatment unit at Walter Reed. Matt Nathan, who served as the director of Walter Reed and then surgeon general during the Obama administration, told CBS News that the unit is like a mini hospital and a home away from home.

"It really has all the bells and whistles the president needs to run the country remotely," Nathan said.

Nathan said the unit is run by a dedicated staff of doctors, nurses and technicians who train to switch over from their daily duties to caring for the president. It has communications, eating facilities, Secret Service spaces, lodging for family members and office space.

Mr. Trump headed to Walter Reed from the White House on Friday evening.

By Grace Segers
 

Biden tweets this "must be an American moment" as Trump heads to hospital

After the White House said President Trump would be sent to Walter Reed Medical Center, Democratic nominee Joe Biden tweeted, "this cannot be a partisan moment. It must be an American moment. We have to come together as a nation."

Two campaign sources told CBS News that there will be no negative ads from the Biden team for an undetermined amount of time. This decision was made in consultation with Biden and top advisers this afternoon.

His running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, attended a virtual fundraiser with former President Obama on Friday evening. Mr. Obama kicked off the fundraiser by saying "although we're in the midst of a big political fight and we take that very seriously, we also want to extend our best wishes to the President of the United States."

Bo Erickson and Tim Perry 

 

Trump heads to stay at hospital for "few days"

President Trump will work out of an office at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, for the next few days "out of an abundance of caution" and at the advice of his physician and medical experts, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced Friday. 

"President Trump remains in good spirits, 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," McEnany said in a statement. "President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady."

Read more about Trump heading to Walter Reed here

Marine One is shown on the White House South Lawn, Friday, Oct. 2, 2020, in Washington where the President will board for a flight to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP


By Kathryn Watson
 

Chris Wallace says there wasn't time for Trump family to be tested before debate

Chris Wallace, the moderator of Tuesday's presidential debate, said on Fox News on Friday that President Trump had arrived too late to be tested before the debate that evening and there was an "honor system" for people from the campaigns to get tested before the debate. 

"For them to get tested, there wouldn't have been enough time to have the test and have the debate at 9 o'clock that night," Wallace said. "They didn't show up until 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the afternoon. So, yeah, there was an honor system when it came to the people who came into the hall from the two campaigns."

Wallace said he arrived on Sunday and other members of the media arrived on Monday, which gave them enough time to be tested.

By Caroline Linton
 

Trump taking antibody "cocktail" and feels "fatigued" but in good spirits, physician says

President Trump has received a single 8-gram dose of Regeneron's polyclonal antibody cocktail, the president's physician, Sean Conley, said in a memo. Conley said the president "completed the infusion without incident." 

Mr. Trump has also been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin, Conley said. 

"As of this afternoon the president remains fatigued but in good spirits," Conley said. "He's being evaluated by a team of experts and together we'll be making recommendations to the president and first lady in regards to next best steps." 

By Kathryn Watson
 

McEnany tells reporters "White House operations" decided it was safe for Trump to travel to New Jersey fundraiser

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that President Trump had "mild symptoms." She said she had not been told ahead of Thursday's press briefing of top aide Hope Hicks' diagnosis.

McEnany said it had been deemed "safe" for Mr. Trump to go to a fundraiser on Thursday in Bedminster, New Jersey, despite Hicks' diagnosis and her close proximity with the president. When pressed by CBS News' Paula Reid on who made that assessment, McEnany said "White House operations made the assessment it was safe for the president, in consultation with others." She then walked away without elaborating further.

Press secretary: "White House operations" decided it was safe for Trump to go to New Jersey fundraiser
By Caroline Linton
 

Pelosi tests negative for COVID-19

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested negative for the coronavirus, her spokesperson wrote on Twitter.

"Out of an abundance of caution, Speaker Pelosi was tested for COVID-19 this morning by the Capitol's Office of the Attending Physician. Dr. Monahan just informed the Speaker that she tested negative," Drew Hammill, Pelosi's deputy chief of staff, said.

Pelosi met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday. Mnuchin has also tested negative for the virus. Pelosi, 80, is second in line for the presidency. 

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) enters the U.S Capitol to her office in Washington, D.C., U.S. October 2, 2020. KEN CEDENO / REUTERS
By Grace Segers
 

Biden campaign plows ahead with schedule after he tests negative for COVID-19

Former Vice President Joe Biden plowed ahead with his Friday campaign schedule, albeit behind schedule, after he tested negative for COVID-19 just hours after President Trump announced that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the virus.    

The news of the first couple's diagnosis once again roiled a presidential campaign cycle already disrupted in the past year by the pandemic, a prolonged presidential impeachment battle, natural disasters and delayed results in the early caucus state of Iowa.  

Through most of Friday morning, Biden aides remained radio silent. Would Biden continue on with his campaign schedule? Will the campaign pull down advertising? Should he even be campaigning with the president and first lady in isolation at the White House? 

Nobody would answer. But one senior Biden campaign aide finally cracked by mid-morning, describing the president's health scare as "the definition of uncharted waters."  

Read more about Biden's upcoming schedule here

Ed O'Keefe, Sarah Ewall-Wice and Bo Erickson 

 

Pence's physician says the vice president is "free to go about his normal activities"

Vice President Mike Pence's physician reiterated that the vice president has tested negative. He also deemed that the vice president has not been in close contact with anyone who tested positive, including the president, and is free to go about his business.
 
"Vice President Mike Pence remains in good health and is free to go about his normal activities," Pence's physician, Jesse Schonau, said in a memo.

Pence was pictured as coming into close proximity with Mr. Trump at an outdoor White House event on Monday, but the proximity was apparently not sustained long enough to be considered a close contact.

The note from Pence's physician means the vice president will be free to campaign in the president's stead across the country. He is scheduled to debate Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris next week. 

Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a Make America Great Again event in Carter Lake, Iowa, Thursday, October 1, 2020. Nati Harnik / AP
By Kathryn Watson
 

Intelligence community assessing any potential vulnerabilities due to Trump's diagnosis

The intelligence community is continuing to assess any potential vulnerabilities with a stepped-up look at whether any adversaries may be seeking to take advantage of President Trump's health in any way or trying to undermine the U.S. government, a U.S. intelligence source said. That includes looking into any false information placed on social media about the president's health. 

The U.S. intelligence community will also be working with allied nations' intelligence services to collectively gain an understanding of what may be happening in the world as a result of the president's positive COVID-19 diagnosis. 

By Pat Milton
 

Notre Dame president who attended Barrett's nomination tests positive

Reverend John Jenkins, the president of the University of Notre Dame, announced on Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19 days after attending Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court at the White House last week. Barrett, who was nominated by Mr. Trump on Saturday, is a graduate of Notre Dame Law School.

Jenkins did not wear a mask during the event, and shook hands with several attendees. He sent a letter to students, faculty and staff that he was writing "to express my regret for certain choices I made that day and for failing to lead as I should have."

"I regret my error of judgment in not wearing a mask during the ceremony and by shaking hands with a number of people in the Rose Garden. I failed to lead by example, at a time when I've asked everyone else in the Notre Dame community to do so," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said he would self-quarantine "in accordance with University protocols." 

By Grace Segers
 

Trump campaign events are being postponed

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien said in a statement that all scheduled campaign events are "in the process of being moved to virtual events or are being temporarily postponed." All campaign events with the Trump family are also postponed.

"All other campaign events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we will make any relevant announcements in the days ahead. Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative for COVID-19, plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events. Any further information about the President will come from the White House," Stepien said.

Earlier on Friday, Stepien urged staffers who had been in contact with anyone who had contracted the virus to self-quarantine. 

By Grace Segers
 

What is the protocol for Trump to return to in-person public events?

President Trump has canceled upcoming public appearances, but could he resume in-person appearances in time for the next presidential debate with Joe Biden on October 15 or before Election Day, on November 3? 

The White House has not yet said what health benchmarks the president will have to meet, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published guidance for those who have been infected with COVID-19.

The CDC says individuals with symptoms should wait to be around others for "at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared" and not have a fever, without fever-reducing medication, for at least 24 hours. Any other symptoms of COVID-19 should also be improving. 

All of those standards must be met in order for someone who knows they had COVID-19 and experienced symptoms to be around others. Mr. Trump is experiencing minor symptoms, a White House adviser said Friday.

For those who have suffered severe illness from COVID-19, health care providers may recommend staying isolated for longer than 10 days after the first symptoms appeared, up to 20 days, according to the CDC.

A patient may also be encouraged to undergo repeat testing for COVID-19. And those who want to end isolation early should receive two negative tests 24 hours or more apart

By Kathryn Watson
 

Biden and Harris test negative for COVID-19

Both former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden, have tested negative for COVID-19, their campaign announced. So have vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff.

Biden debated Mr. Trump in Cleveland, Ohio, Tuesday, although the two men did not shake hands on stage, a change in debate format given the pandemic. 

"Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected," said their physician, Kevin O'Connor. "I am reporting this out in my capacity as both Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden's primary care physician."

Biden will likely be tested again in the days ahead, since the virus' incubation period is 2 to 14 days

By Kathryn Watson
 

Chris Christie says he was tested for COVID-19

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who assisted President Trump in his debate prep ahead of the first debate on Tuesday, tweeted Friday morning that he has been tested again for the virus.

"I want to thank all who have called and texted in the last few hours to check on my health. I feel fine and have no symptoms. I was last tested for COVID on Tuesday (it was neg) and was tested this morning. No results until tomorrow. I will let you know the results from here," Christie wrote.

By Grace Segers
 

Schumer and Feinstein call on Graham to postpone confirmation hearings

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Dianne Feinstein, the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on committee chair Lindsey Graham to postpone the confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett in light of the president's positive COVID-19 test.

"It is premature for Chairman Graham to commit to a hearing schedule when we do not know the full extent of potential exposure stemming from the president's infection and before the White House puts in place a contact tracing plan to prevent further spread of the disease," Schumer and Feinstein said. "The unfortunate news about the infection of our colleague Senator Mike Lee makes even more clear that health and safety must guide the schedule for all Senate activities, including hearings."

Republican Senator Mike Lee announced on Friday that he tested positive for the virus. He and several other Republican senators attended the event at the White House last Saturday where Mr. Trump nominated Barrett for the Supreme Court. Barrett has tested negative for the virus.

President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and 7th U.S. Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett, 48, walk into the Rose Garden before Trump announces Barrett as his nominee to the Supreme Court at the White House September 26, 2020 in Washington, D.C.  Getty Images

Senate Democrats have argued that the confirmation process for Barrett is illegitimate, as the Senate may be voting on her nomination ahead of the election. Graham has announced that he intends to hold confirmation hearings for Barrett in mid-October.

"It's critical that Chairman Graham put the health of senators, the nominee, and staff first – and ensure a full and fair hearing that is not rushed, not truncated, and not virtual. Otherwise this already illegitimate process will become a dangerous one," Schumer and Feinstein said. 

By Grace Segers
 

N.J. governor says fundraiser attendees should "take full precautions"

President tweeted about his positive COVID-19 test result hours after hosting a fundraiser at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said contact tracing was underway Friday morning. He urged anyone who attended the event to get tested.
 
"We urge everyone who attended yesterday's event in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested," he tweeted.

A senior Republican National Committee official said protective measures were taken at the fundraiser.

"Every guest was at least six feet from the president at all times," the official said, and all attendees tested negative for COVID-19 on the day of the event.

"The event site was professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to the event," the official said. "The White House Medical Unit and U.S. Secret Service evaluated all attendees in order for them to gain access to the event."

 

The health status of those in Trump's orbit

The following is a running list of the people in President Trump's orbit who have had recent contact with him or who meet regularly with him and have been tested – or are undergoing testing – for COVID-19 infection:
 
White House: 
Counselor to the president Hope Hicks: Tested positive on Thursday, October 1
Vice President Pence: Tested negative on Friday, October 2
Chief of staff Mark Meadows: Tested negative Friday, October 2
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar: Tested negative on Friday, October 2
Ivanka Trump: Tested negative on Friday, October 2
Jared Kushner: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 
National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said on Fox Business he tested negative on Friday, October 2
 
Others
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett: The White House said in a statement that she tested negative on Friday, October 2. 
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie: Christie, who helped Mr. Trump with debate preparation, was tested Friday and awaits results

Former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway: Tweeted on Friday, October 2 that she has COVID-19.
Reverend John Jenkins: The president of the University of Notre Dame, who attended Barrett's nomination at the White House has tested positive, according to the university

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien: Tested positive for coronavirus Friday, October 2.

Donald Trump Jr: Tested negative, he said on Fox News on Friday, October 2

Barron Trump: First lady's office said he tested negative on Friday, October 2
Debate moderator and "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace: He said he will be tested on Friday
 
Congress:
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn (R): Attended debate and flew on Air Force One; Tested negative on Friday, October 2
Minnesota Representative Jim Hagedorn (R): Flew on Air Force One; tested negative Friday, October 2
Ohio Representative Jim Jordan (R): Attended debate and flew on Air Force One; tested negative on Friday, October 2 
Utah Senator Mike Lee: Attended Barrett's nomination announcement and met with her this week. Tested positive Thursday, October 1
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: She tested negative on Friday, October 2
North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis: Judiciary Committee member who attended Barrett's nomination announcement. Tested positive on Friday, October 2. 
 
Not in recent contact with Trump, but tested protectively:
Attorney General Bill Barr: The Justice Department said he tested negative on Friday, October 2
Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel - tested positive on Wednesday, September 29
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin: Tested negative on Friday, October 2 
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: He said in Croatia that he tested negative on Friday, October 2. 

-Kristin Brown 

 

Joe and Jill Biden test negative for the virus

Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the primary care physician for former Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, said in a statement that both tested negative for the virus on Friday.

"Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected," O'Connor said.

At 77, Biden is in a particularly vulnerable demographic to contract the virus. He appeared on the debate stage with President Trump on Tuesday.

Read more here 

By Grace Segers
 

Senator Mike Lee tests positive days after visiting White House

Republican Senator Mike Lee tweeted on Friday that he has tested positive for the virus, a few days after visiting the White House. 

He said he tested negative when visiting the White House, but after feeling symptoms on Thursday took another test "out of an abundance of caution." 

Lee said he will now remain isolated for 10 days "on the advice of the Senate attending physician." 

Lee, who is on the Judiciary Committee, said he will be back in time to approve Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court. 

Lee met with Barrett, who has tested negative for the virus, earlier this week. 

By Grace Segers
 

How Trump's age and weight could put him at higher risk for severe infection

President Trump is experiencing minor coronavirus symptoms, a White House adviser said. But his age and weight could put him at risk of more severe illness. 

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die," the CDC explains.

While people over 85 are most at risk and this age group has seen the highest rate of hospitalizations and deaths, people in the 65-74 and 75-84 age brackets also account for a large portion of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. Eight out of 10 COVID-19 related deaths U.S. have been people over the age of 65.

Mr. Trump is 74 years old, while the first lady is 50. 

Obesity is also one of the factors that increases a person's risk of severe illness from COVID-19, according to the CDC. Obesity triples the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19.

During his 2019 physical, Mr. Trump, who is 6'3", weighed in at 243 pounds and had a body mass index of 30.4, putting him just over the threshold that's considered obese by the CDC. The president's doctor said he was "in very good health overall." At his most recent physical in June, his weight was 244 pounds — one pound heavier.

The CDC guidance explains obesity is linked to impaired immune function, and it decreases lung capacity and reserve and can make ventilation more difficult.  

Read more here

By Caitlin O'Kane
 

Melania Trump says she is experiencing mild symptoms

First lady Melania Trump tweeted late Friday morning that she is experiencing mild symptoms after testing positive for the coronavirus.

"Thank you for the love you are sending our way. I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery," she tweeted. 

A White House adviser told CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid earlier Friday that President Donald Trump is exhibiting minor symptoms.

Read more here 

By Grace Segers
 

McConnell says Trump is in "good spirits" after phone call

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Friday morning he just finished a "great phone call" with Mr. Trump.

"He's in good spirits and we talked business — especially how impressed Senators are with the qualifications of Judge Barrett. Full steam ahead with the fair, thorough, timely process that the nominee, the Court, & the country deserve," McConnell wrote on Twitter, referring to Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Mr. Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court.

McConnell said in a radio interview on Friday that he believed the coronavirus was the "biggest enemy" to Barrett's confirmation.

"I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don't anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or in the full Senate. And therefore everybody needs to be in 'all hands on deck' mindset," McConnell said. 

By Grace Segers
 

Trump campaign manager tells certain staff to self-quarantine

Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien sent a letter to campaign staff on Friday telling them to self-quarantine if they had been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

"Any campaign staffer who has had exposure to someone testing positive should immediately begin self-quarantine," Stepien said in the letter.

Stepien said staffers who have not exhibited symptoms did not need to self-quarantine, but should still take precautionary measures such as wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.

"While some public events will be taken down, the campaign office remains open and our nationwide team will continue with our efforts to re-elect President Trump," Stepien said.

Mr. Trump has appeared at several campaign rallies recently where there was limited social distancing and where masks were not required. 

When asked about his crowded rallies during the first presidential debate on Tuesday, Mr. Trump noted that many of his events had been held outdoors, which is considered safer for group gatherings. However, the president has also held some events indoors in recent months. 

-Nicole Sganga and Grace Segers

 

Trump is exhibiting minor symptoms of the virus

President Trump is experiencing minor symptoms of the virus, a White House adviser told CBS News White House correspondent Paula Reid. 

Reid was told the president would continue to carry out his duties as usual on Friday. 

 

Trump joins growing list of virus-infected world leaders

President Trump has joined a growing group of world leaders who have been infected with the coronavirus. Some, like Mr. Trump, had been accused of not taking the pandemic seriously. A few are now sending Mr. Trump their wishes for a speedy recovery. 

The first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19 was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, after facing criticism for downplaying the pandemic. Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, also tested positive in March and showed mild symptoms. 

Juan Orlando Hernández, the president of Honduras, announced in June that he had tested positive, along with two other people who worked closely with him. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced his illness in July and used it to publicly extol hydroxychloroquine, the unproven malaria drug that he'd been promoting as a treatment for COVID-19 and was taking himself. 

Prince Albert II of Monaco, the vice president of India and several top officials in Iran are among others who have tested positive. 

-CBS News and The Associated Press

 

Amy Coney Barrett tests negative for COVID-19

Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court, has tested negative for the virus. White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere told CBS News that Barrett is tested daily for the virus, and has tested negative. 

According to Deere, she was last with the president on Saturday, when she was nominated by Mr. Trump. 

Deere said Barrett is "following CDC guidance and best practices." Barrett has met with dozens of senators, all Republican, in the week since she was nominated. 

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a radio interview Friday morning that he believed the coronavirus was the "biggest enemy" to Barrett's confirmation. 

"I think every precaution needs to be taken because we don't anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or in the full Senate. And therefore everybody needs to be in all hands on deck mindset," McConnell said. 

-Sara Cook and Grace Segers 

 

RNC chair tests positive for the virus

Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, has tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson confirmed to CBS News. 

"After a member of her family tested positive for COVID-19, the Chairwoman was tested for the virus. On Wednesday afternoon, she got confirmation she was COVID-19 positive. She has been at her home in Michigan since last Saturday," the spokesperson said.  

By Nicole Sganga
 

Barron Trump tests negative for the virus

Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's chief of staff, told CBS News the president's youngest son, Barron, has tested negative for the virus. 

"Barron tested negative and all precautions are being taken to ensure he's kept safe and healthy," Grisham said in a statement.  

By Sara Cook
 

Pelosi says Trump's behavior was a "brazen invitation"

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in an interview with MSNBC on Friday that she would "pray for the president's family," but said Mr. Trump's decision to frequently go into public unmasked was a "brazen invitation." 

"Going into crowds unmasked and all the rest was sort of a brazen invitation for something to happen," Pelosi said, adding that she hoped the president would now take "a saner approach to what this virus is all about." 

Pelosi said she was tested for the virus on Friday morning "out of an abundance of caution," but has not yet received the results. 

By Grace Segers
 

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump test negative for the virus

A White House official who works closely with Ivanka Trump at the White House said the president's daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, have tested negative for the virus.

".@IvankaTrump and Jared Kushner were tested again today for COVID-19 and both are negative," Carolina Hurley wrote on Twitter.

By Grace Segers
 

This is a time for "maximum transparency," says Major Garrett

It has "never been more important" for the White House to be fully transparent with the American people, chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett said on "CBS This Morning" hours after President Trump and the first lady tested positive for COVID-19.

"This is a time, whether this White House is prepared for it or not, for maximum transparency," Garrett said Friday. "Everyone in the world wants to know what happened, why, how well the president is, what therapies, if any, he is taking, and how he's doing."

The president's positive COVID-19 diagnosis has already sent shockwaves through global stock markets, with stock futures falling as analysts and investors worry over the severity of the president's illness. 

While it's possible Mr. Trump has "a mild case and gets through this rather rapidly," Garrett said, questions the White House "has to wrap its arms around" remain. 

"The key is how did this happen, what is the contact tracing, what does that look like to the American public?" he asked. "How do you reassure rattled investors, how do you reassure allies, how do you tell others who wish us ill, 'Don't play with this because I'm fine, the president's intact, and I'll get better'?"

He said the White House would have to account for its "cavalier" attitude toward setting coronavirus protocols.

"There weren't protocols — they were preferences. And the preference was not to social distance, not to wear masks, and that's the problem," Garrett said.

White House deals with fallout from Trump testing positive for COVID-19
By Elizabeth Elkind
 

Azar tests negative for virus ahead of appearance before Congress

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Friday he has tested negative for COVID-19. He is appearing in person before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Friday morning about his agency's response to the pandemic.

"Out of an abundance of caution I was tested for COVID-19 this morning and the result was negative. I will be testifying before Congress as scheduled," he tweeted.

"Wishing @POTUS and @FLOTUS and all those with COVID-19 a swift and complete recovery."

By Grace Segers
 

Biden says he will "pray for the health and safety of the president"

Former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, tweeted his get well wishes to the president and first lady on Friday morning. 

"Jill and I send our thoughts to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a swift recovery. We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family," Biden wrote. 

By Grace Segers
 

RNC says there was social distancing at Thursday Bedminster fundraiser

A senior Republican National Committee official said protective measures were taken at a fundraiser in Bedminster, New Jersey, that Mr. Trump attended Thursday. 

"Every guest was at least six feet from the president at all times," the official said, and all attendees tested negative for COVID-19 on the day of the event.

"The event site was professionally cleaned and sanitized prior to the event," the official said. "The White House Medical Unit and U.S. Secret Service evaluated all attendees in order for them to gain access to the event." 

By Nicole Sganga
 

Biden expected to be tested for COVID-19 Friday morning

Former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to be tested for COVID-19 this morning, a source familiar confirms to CBS News. This testing would not be irregular for Biden as his presidential campaign has told CBS News that he gets tested every week.  

By Bo Erickson
 

World leaders react to Trump's diagnosis

As world leaders and diplomats at the United Nations wake up to the overnight news that President Trump and the first lady have tested positive for COVID-19, waves of shock and sympathy are pouring in, putting arguments and politics aside. One of the first responses that came in was from the director general of the World Health Organization, the U.N.'s premier healthy agency dealing with the pandemic.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted "best wishes" for a full and speedy recovery. 

"Get well soon" messages are being sent through Telegram and Twitter to the White House Friday morning.

The Kremlin says Russian president Vladimir Putin sent Mr. Trump a Telegram: "I hope that your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with the dangerous virus." 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "My best wishes to President Trump and the First Lady. Hope they both have a speedy recovery from coronavirus."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also tweeted, saying: "Like millions of Israelis, Sara and I are thinking of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump and wish our friends a full and speedy recovery."

A U.N. spokesperson told reporters Friday morning that "the Secretary-General sends his best wishes to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a quick and complete recovery." 

By Pamela Falk
 

Pence press secretary says vice president and second lady tested negative

Devin O'Malley, the vice president's press secretary, said in a tweet Friday morning that Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence tested negative for the virus.

"As has been routine for months, Vice President Pence is tested for COVID-19 every day. This morning, Vice President Pence and the Second Lady tested negative for COVID-19. Vice President Pence remains in good health and wishes the Trumps well in their recovery," O'Malley wrote.

By Grace Segers
 

Global shares and U.S. stock futures fall

Global shares and U.S. stock futures have fallen after President Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the new coronavirus. 

The future contracts for both the S&P 500 and the Dow industrials dropped nearly 2% but were trading 1.2% lower several hours later. Oil prices tumbled about 3%. 

Shares fell in Paris, Frankfurt, London and Tokyo. Many markets in Asia were closed for holidays. 

The Nikkei 225 index shed strong early gains after the Tokyo Stock Exchange resumed trading Friday following an all day outage due to a technical failure. 

By The Associated Press
 

Trump is "in good spirits," official says

A senior White House official told CBS News that Mr. Trump was "in good spirits," and noted that catching a COVID-19 infection "early helps to mitigate the situation." 

The official said it was "beneficial" that there have not been many people around the president, for contract tracing purposes. 

However, Mr. Trump met supporters in person earlier on Thursday at a fundraising event, and held a rally with supporters in Minnesota on Wednesday night. On Tuesday he was in Cleveland, Ohio, for the first presidential debate. 

When asked if there were others quarantining at the White House after the president and first lady's positive tests, a senior White House official told CBS News that "contact tracing has been done and the appropriate notifications and recommendations have been made." 

By Kathryn Watson
 

Pence: "Karen and I send our love and prayers"

Vice President Mike Pence tweeted about an hour after Mr. Trump's announcement, saying that he and second lady Karen Pence "send their love and prayers" to the president and first lady.

"We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery. God bless you President Trump & our wonderful First Lady Melania," Pence wrote. 

Pence is set to appear in the first vice presidential debate on October 7.

 

Statement from the president's physician

The following is a statement from Sean P. Conley, physician to the president:

"I release the following information with the permission of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

This evening I received confirmation that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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."

 

Positive diagnosis comes two weeks before next scheduled debate

The positive diagnosis could not come at a worse time for Mr. Trump politically, only a month from the election and two weeks from the next scheduled presidential debate against former Vice President Joe Biden. 

CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reported that administration officials had expressed surprise for weeks that the virus hadn't been detected among White House officials, given Mr. Trump's own unenthusiastic embrace of measures recommended by senior health officials.

The president has often flouting his own administration's guidelines on social distancing, mask-wearing and not gathering in large groups. 

Jiang said that while there was a "blip in time" when masks were mandated for White House staff if they were up and moving around the building, those measures have since "faded away." 

That's of particular concern, Jiang noted, given that the list of people who have come into close personal contact with the president and first lady in recent days "is long, and it is filled with some of the most important people in the Trump administration."

 

All except one of Trump's event canceled

The president was scheduled to campaign in Florida on Friday and then across the western United States next week, but all of his events have been canceled except one — he was still expected to host a phone call on COVID-19 support for vulnerable seniors on Friday.  

The phone call is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. and is closed to the press. 

 

Trump mocks Biden for wearing a mask frequently in debate

In his first debate with former Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday, Mr. Trump defended his decision to often appear in public without a facial covering and mocked Biden for wearing "the biggest mask I've ever seen."

"I think masks are OK," Mr. Trump said, when asked by moderator Chris Wallace why he typically appears in public without wearing a mask. He pulled out a mask from his suit jacket to show that he carried it with him.

"I put a mask on, you know, when I think I need it. Tonight is an example, everybody has had a test," Mr. Trump said. "I wear a mask when needed. When needed, I wear masks."

He then mocked Biden for wearing a mask every time he appears in public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear masks in public to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

"I don't wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he's got a mask," Mr. Trump said, adding that Biden "could be speaking 200 feet away" and then "shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen."

By Grace Segers
 

Chief of staff tests negative for COVID-19

News of the Trumps' positive tests came just hours after it was reported that the president's top aide Hope Hicks had tested positive for the coronavirus. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows has tested negative for the virus, a senior White House official told CBS News.  

"The strength of the entire country is with President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a tweet, adding that Mr. Trump would "continue to put the People first!"

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