3 White House officials test positive for coronavirus

Amidst President Trump’s agitations for the country to loosen restrictions and restart economic activities soon, three US presidential aides have tested positive for coronavirus.

On Wednesday, one of the president’s Oval Office Valets, a member of the US Navy and dedicated acquaintance to the President had reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

The unidentified valet was said to have exhibited symptoms on Wednesday morning.

Later on Friday, the Vice President, Mike Spence’s spokesperson, Katie Miller who is also the Spokesperson for the White House Coronavirus Task Force would test positive for the disease during an event with Republican lawmakers at the White House.

Ivanka Trump’s personal assistant also tested positive for coronavirus, CNN reports, Friday night. Although the P.A had been working remotely and hadn’t come in contact with the President’s daughter for weeks.

Read also: COVID-19: Italy’s death toll climbs to 30,000, as China records 1 new infection, 15 new asymptomatic cases

Speaking on the recent developments in the White House, Trump stated that he was unbothered despite signs the virus was approaching the Oval Office.

“I’m not worried” he said “We’re taking very strong precautions in the White House.’

The White House Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows called the White House the ‘safest place that you can come to.’ adding that the Presidential mansion duly observed “safetety protocol and procedures”.

“The President’s physician and White House Operations continue to work closely to ensure every precaution is taken to keep the President, First Family and the entire White House Complex safe and healthy at all times. In addition to social distancing, daily temperature checks and symptom histories, hand sanitizer, and regular deep cleaning of all work spaces, every staff member in close proximity to the president and vice president is being tested daily for COVID-19 as well as any guests,” Deputy White House press secretary Judd Deere told news men.

The President and his Vice would undergo weekly testings even though initial results returned negative.

Meanwhile, there are close to 1.3 million coronavirus cases in the United States including 77,180 deaths, the Johns Hopkins University tally reports.

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