Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has tested negative for COVID-19 after President Trump revealed he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive.
“I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands,” Biden tweeted Friday.
I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020
Biden’s tweet followed a statement released by Kevin O’Connor, the Bidens’ primary care physician, saying he administered PCR tests for the couple and didn’t detect COVID-19.
The results come after Biden’s running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, confirmed she tested negative as part of the campaign’s routine procedures.
Biden, 77, a former vice president and 36-year Delaware senator, was scheduled to fly to Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday for an economic-themed event before hosting a virtual fundraiser in the evening.
Trump tweeted his positive diagnosis in the wee hours of Friday after reporters uncovered that close confidante Hope Hicks had the respiratory illness late Thursday.
Hicks tested positive on Wednesday evening, but the president still met with donors in New Jersey the following day, and his team didn’t advise the Biden camp of the developments. Trump announced Thursday night that both he and Melania had started a two-week quarantine period.
Trump, the first lady, and Hicks were in Cleveland with Biden on Tuesday for the opening debate between the pair before the Nov. 3 election. Audience members all underwent testing before they were allowed in the venue, but many, including Trump’s family, didn’t wear masks during the 90-minute indoor event.
