Trump tests negative for coronavirus as US deaths hit 60
After initially refusing to get tested for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), United States President Donald Trump was on Saturday tested negative for the virus. Trump's personal physician confirmed the development on Saturday night. There had been concerns about the US President's well-being after he recently came into contact with two members of a Brazilian presidential delegation who have since tested positive.
Received confirmation that test is negative: Trump's physician
Trump's personal physician, Sean P. Conley, said in a memorandum on Saturday, "Last night, after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed. This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative." The memo also noted that the US President remains "symptom-free" a week after his exposure to the two Brazilian officials in Mar-a-Lago.
Trump's contact with Brazilian officials termed 'low risk'
Trump had initially resisted being tested for the coronavirus. In a memo on Friday night, Conley had noted that Trump's contact with the Brazilian officials was categorized as "low risk" and the US President does not need to be quarantined. Trump had notably also been exposed to US lawmakers and politicians who have since gone into self-quarantine, suspecting an infection.
Coronavirus kills 60 in US; 2,900 infected
Meanwhile, in the US, the coronavirus pandemic has infected over 2,900 people and killed almost 60. New York, America's most populous city, reported its first coronavirus-linked death on Saturday—an 82-year-old woman, who died on Friday. The coronavirus scare has triggered panic buying among US citizens with stores running out of masks, sanitizers, toilet paper, bleach, etc. On Friday, Trump had declared a national emergency.
US extends travel ban to UK, Ireland
On Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence announced the extension of a travel ban to European nations. Earlier, the US had restricted travel to European countries barring the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, Pence said Saturday that the restrictions would be extended to the two nations starting 0400 GMT on Tuesday (09:30 am Tuesday IST). Separately, Trump advised against non-essential travel within the US.
US House of Representatives passes coronavirus relief bill
On Friday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill to provide billions of dollars for free viral testing, emergency paid sick leave and family leave concerning the coronavirus. The bill was drafted by Democrats in consultation with the Trump administration. Since Trump has extended his support to the bill, it is expected to be passed by the Republican-controlled Senate next week.
Globally, coronavirus deaths jump to 5,800
COVID-19 was first detected in China's Wuhan city in December. It has since spread to roughly 137 countries, infecting over 1.5 lakh people. At least 5,800 people have also lost their lives due to the virus. The virus—named SARS-CoV-2—attacks a host's respiratory system, triggering flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it causes pneumonia, multiple organ failure, and death.
