Trump, Melania test positive for COVID-19

U.S. President Donald Trump said early Friday morning that he and his wife Melania have tested positive for COVID-19, after a close aide contracted the virus, reported Xinhua.

"We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately," he tweeted. "We will get through this TOGETHER!"

The announcement came hours after the president confirmed White House counselor Hope Hicks, a close aide, had contracted the virus.

Melania tweeted she and her husband are quarantining at home "as too many Americans have done this year."

"We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements," she said. "Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together."

In a memo, White House physician Sean Conley said he received confirmation on Thursday evening that the couple had tested positive for the 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," Conley continued.

"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," the physician added.

Hicks had traveled with the president multiple times this week, including on board Marine One, the presidential helicopter, for a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday, as well as on Air Force One to Tuesday night's first presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio.

"Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19. Terrible!" Trump said in a Tweet late Thursday night.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump said he and the first lady had spent "a lot of time" with Hicks, while acknowledging that it was difficult for him and those close to him to avoid the virus since many people, including members of the military, interact with them on a regular basis.

"It's very hard when you're with soldiers, when you are with airmen, when you're with the Marines, and the police officers, I'm with them so much. And when they come over to you, it's hard to say, 'stay back, stay back.' You know, it's a tough kind of a situation, it's a terrible thing," he said.

The White House regularly tests Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for COVID-19 and administers tests to those who come in close contact with them, including members of the press and other White House guests.

In addition to Hicks, multiple White House officials, including Trump's national security advisor Robert O'Brien and other staffers have previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Pence tweeted early Friday morning that he and his wife send their love and prayers to Trump and Melania. "We join millions across America praying for their full and swift recovery," the vice president added.

There have been more than 7.2 million COVID-19 infections in the United States as of early Friday, with 207,808 deaths.