US President Trump, wife test positive for Covid-19

US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania have tested positive for the coronavirus, he announced on Friday.

Trump confirmed the news on social media having earlier announced he would go into a 14-day quarantine after his aide Hope Hicks also tested positive.

“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19,” Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before 0600 BST. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

The White House cancelled all public events for the president with Trump earlier scheduled to host a rally in Florida on Friday night followed by two rallies in Wisconsin on Saturday.

The president’s physician, Navy Commander Dr Sean Conley said he received confirmation of the positive tests on Thursday evening.

“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,” Conley wrote in a statement issued to reporters.

“The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions,” Conley wrote, without elaborating what assistance was being provided to the White House.

“Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any further developments.”