President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania test positive for Covid-19 after receiving results

The president of the United States and his wife have tested positive for coronavirus.

Donald Trump made the announcement in a tweet this morning, Friday 2 October.

The message read: “Tonight, Melania Trump and I tested positive for Covid-19.

"We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this together!”

The news came after it was announced on Thursday this week that senior Trump aide Hope Hicks had tested positive.

Ms Hicks who serves as counsellor to the president and travelled with him to a rally on Wednesday, tested positive on Thursday.

The 31-year-old is the closest aide to Mr Trump to test positive so far.

Donald and Melania Trump picture: Getty Images

Yet the President’s doctor confirmed Mr Trump will continue “carrying out his duties without disruption” despite being diagnosed with the virus.

A statement released this morning from Mr Trump’s physician Sean P. Conley read: “I release the following information with the permission of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

“This evening I received confirmation that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.

“The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of our country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions.

“Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments.”

Mr Trump’s positive test comes a month before the US election on November 3.

Yet the President is now expected to be in quarantine for at least two weeks while facing treatment for the infectious virus.

He is 74 years old, which puts him at a higher risk of serious complications from the disease.

While waiting for the results of his test following Ms Hicks' diagnosis, it has been reported Mr Trump said he had found it difficult to socially distance while meeting members of the armed forces.

His Covid-19 diagnosis is the latest among world leaders, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted to intensive care after contracting the disease and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also falling ill.

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