Donald Trump told supporters “I think I’m doing very well, but we’re going to make sure things work out”, as he was seen for the first time since testing positive for coronavirus.
The president was pictured giving the ‘thumbs up’ as he was taken by helicopter to hospital “for the next few days”.
In a video tweeted out soon after he said: “I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I’m going to Walter Reed hospital.
“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.”
A White House statement said: “Out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of his physician and medical experts, the President will be working from the presidential offices at Walter Reed for the next few days.”
Kayleigh McEnany, Mr Trump’s press secretary told reporters: “President Trump remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day.”
She added: “President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady.”
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Trump quarantines in White House
A source has told the Reuters news agency that Mr Trump is suffering with a mild fever.
It comes after his doctor said the president “remains fatigued” but is in “good spirits”, his doctor said.
The president has been injected with an experimental antibody cocktail of drugs, as well as taking vitamins and an aspirin.
He and his wife Melania are self-isolating after they tested positive for COVID-19, just one month before the US election.
His physician, Dr Sean P Conley, said the president had a single 8g dose of a Regeneron cocktail which he completed “without incident”.
Mr Trump will go to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre in Washington DC
He has also been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine (which decreases stomach acid production), melatonin (a natural hormone that can help with sleep) and a daily aspirin.
The president had a low-grade fever, according to three people familiar with his condition, reported NBC News.
Dr Conley said: “He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the president and first lady in regards to next best steps.”
The medic went on: “Melania Trump remains well with only a mild cough and headache. The remainder of the first family are well and tested negative for coronavirus.”
His election rival Joe Biden – who took part in a televised debate with the president earlier this week – confirmed he has tested negative for the virus, along with his wife Jill.
The Democratic presidential candidate told reporters that Mr Trump’s positive test was a “bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously”.
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Biden ‘sends prayers’ to the Trumps
He added: “Be patriotic, it’s not about being a tough guy, it’s about doing your part, wearing a mask not only protects you but it protects those around you.”
Two days before testing positive, during the first debate, Mr Trump belittled Mr Biden for frequently wearing masks and not having campaign rallies that matched his own in size.
The president continued to shake hands with visitors despite public health officials warning against it and also initially resisted being tested.
Mr Trump also refused to wear a mask in public under almost all circumstances.
On Friday, Mr Biden wrote on Twitter: “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.”
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters on Friday that the president and first lady “remain in good spirits” but confirmed Mr Trump “does have mild symptoms”.
Mrs Trump wrote on Twitter that she also has “mild symptoms” but is “overall feeling good”, adding: “I am looking forward to a speedy recovery.”
However, Vice President Mike Pence, who has tested negative, “plans on resuming his scheduled campaign events”.
World leaders, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who himself went to hospital with coronavirus, and Russian President Vladimir Putin offered messages of support.
