U.S. President Donald Trump was admitted to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. after testing positive for COVID-19.
Trump tweeted early Friday that he and his wife Melania tested positive for the coronavirus. Late Friday, Trump was airlifted to Walter Reed “out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts.”
Trump is 74, obese, and reportedly has high cholesterol. Those factors put Mr. Trump in the high-risk category for COVID-19.
Trump gave a thumbs up and waved to reporters as he walked to Marine One for the short trip to the hospital. He did not respond to reporters shouting questions at him.
The president’s gait was normal and he did not appear to be weak or lethargic.
He will be working from the presidential offices at the hospital over the weekend, according to press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
“President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady,” she said.
Reports suggest Trump has a low-grade fever, is “fatigued” but “in good spirits.” His symptoms are described as “mild” and flu-like.
Trump is being treated with an experimental antibody, Regeneron, as well as Prednisone tablets and Pepcid, an antacid. Prednisone and Pepcid are both prescribed to suppress inflammation.
The president has not transferred power to Vice President Mike Pence.
Before departing the White House to take the short flight to Walter Reed, President Trump tweeted a short video on Friday night.
“I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support,” Trump said in the 18-second clip.
“I think I’m doing very well but we’re going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well. So thank you very much. I appreciate it. I will never forget it.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020
It was the first time Trump spoke to the American people since he announced his diagnosis.
Trump is expected to remain at Walter Reed throughout the weekend, where the medical staff will monitor his vital signs and his response to the antibody cocktail.
