Trump Free of Covid Symptoms for 24 hours, Says Doctor

President Donald Trump has had no Covid-19 symptoms for more than 24 hours and has been fever-free for more than four days, his doctor Sean Conley has said. Conley also said the president had not needed any supplemental oxygen since going to hospital on Friday. He was discharged on Monday.

Trump said he “felt great!” and later returned to the Oval Office for briefings, the White House said.

The report from Dr Conley said: “His physical exam and vital signs, including oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, all remain stable and in normal range.”

It added: “The president’s labs demonstrated detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies on Monday October 5th.”

Levels drawn last Thursday had shown “undetectable” antibodies. “We’ll continue to closely monitor and I will update you as I know more,” the doctor said.

The body makes antibodies to help fight the infection, and coronavirus antibodies in the blood indicate a person has had the virus. However, it remains unknown whether their presence will prevent the person getting the virus again.

Trump’s supporters say he has shown leadership since his release from hospital on Monday. His opponents say his behaviour has become increasingly erratic.

The White House has also set out new safety measures after President Trump’s return from hospital and the news that another aide had Covid-19.

Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon to be briefed on Hurricane Delta in the Gulf of Mexico and the latest on talks with Democrats about a stimulus package for the economy, officials said.

The American president has been in a defiant mood since returning from hospital, angling to work in the Oval Office rather than in the Residence, as well as pushing for an address to the nation and a resumption of campaign activity.

But many of his aides and staff remain in self-isolation.

Earlier in the day, chief of staff Mark Meadows said that anyone interacting with Trump had been wearing “full PPE, masks, goggles and the like”.

 

A memo on Monday called for limited traffic on the first floor of the West Wing and at the Residence, with strict measures on protection equipment and hand sanitiser for anyone within six feet (two metres) of the president.

Reports said there did appear to be much more mask-wearing at the White House, which had been criticised by many opponents for its lax attitude before Trump’s infection.

Although the names of many people who have interacted with the president and tested positive are now known, it remains unclear just how many were exposed at the White House. At least nine White House employees have tested positive but the cluster could be much higher.

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