President Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus, according to a press release from the White House.
The President had been exposed to at least two people who have tested positive for COVID-19 — one at CPAC, and another at an event with Brazilian President Jair Bolsinaro.
“Last night after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed,” according to a statement by press secretary Stephanie Grisham with Trump’s permission. “One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom-free. I have been in daily contact with the CDC and White House Coronavirus Task Force, and we are encouraging the implementation of all their best practices for exposure reduction and transmission mitigation.”
In addition, Trump said on Saturday that he had also had his temperature taken earlier in the day, before entering the White House briefing room. The President told reporters that his temperature was normal.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2020
The White House physician had previously stated in a memo that the President “remains without symptoms, testing for COVID-19 is not currently indicated.”
Trump said he took the test “only because the press is going crazy. I also took the test last night. And I decided I should based on the press conference yesterday. People were asking, did I take the test?” he explained, referring to his press conference Friday in which he declared a national emergency in order to access $50 billion in federal resources to combat coronavirus.
The President’s decision to take the test comes after the press secretary and attorney for Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro both tested positive for coronavirus this week, days after meeting, as did diplomat Nestor Forster. It is not believed the attorney visited Mar-a-Lago, although the other individuals were there.
Meanwhile, the commander-in-chief announced Saturday that the United States is expanding its European travel restrictions to include Britain and Ireland.
He is also considering imposing restrictions on travel within the U.S. to areas hit hardest by the spread of the coronavirus.
Under the restrictions on European travel, American citizens, green card holders and others are still allowed to return home to the U.S., although they will be funneled to 13 airports and will be subjected to health screenings and quarantine orders.
Trump is urging people not to travel unless they must do so.