White House announces no changes to safety procedures after Trump positive COVID-19 test

The White House said Friday it will continue following the coronavirus safety procedures it already has in place after President Trump tested positive for COVID-19. 

When asked what changes would take place after the president’s diagnosis, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany did not rule out making future changes to existing guidelines but did not announce any changes from existing procedures.

“We put in place safety procedures. The White House Correspondents’ Association has spaces between the chairs, we wear masks in the White House when we can’t socially distance, the president, we make sure we’re always six feet away and we stay away from each other. So we’ll move forward with those same procedures, and we believe that we will protect those here in the White House as we come to work,” McEnany said on Fox News. 

The president announced early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 and would begin quarantining in the White House “immediately.” He is experiencing mild symptoms, though he has not appeared on camera or made any other public remarks since he announced his diagnosis. Reports have surfaced that he is suffering from a mild fever, and he was taken to Walter Reed Military Medical Center later Friday. 

“President Trump remains in good spirts, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day. 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. President Trump appreciates the outpouring of support for both he and the First Lady,” McEnany said in a statement. 

White House senior adviser Hope Hicks and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel have also tested positive for the coronavirus. Vice President Pence, who was last seen with Trump on Monday, tested negative, as did former Vice President Joe Biden, who debated Trump in Cleveland on Tuesday. McEnany also said on Fox News that she tested negative for the coronavirus.