Donald Trump has now returned to the White House following three nights in hospital after receiving treatment for COVID-19.
Shortly after his return, the president of the United States released two videos, one of which featured footage of his journey accompanied by sweeping orchestral music, and the other of him speaking on a balcony surrounded by US flags.
Trump told his fellow Americans to “get out there” and “don’t be afraid” of COVID-19, despite the fact that more than 210,000 of the country’s residents have already died as a result of the disease and almost 7.5 million people are confirmed to have been infected.
He said:
“Don’t let it dominate you, don’t be afraid of it.”
This comes after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, went on a drive-by for supporters, while still receiving treatment for COVID-19, which has been criticised as “insanity” by a top US doctor.
“We’re going back to work, we’re going to be out front. As your leader I had to do that. I knew there’s danger to it but I had to do it. I stood out front. I led. Nobody that’s a leader would not do what I did. I know there is a risk, there is a danger, but that’s ok. Now I’m better and maybe I’m immune, I don’t know.”
The president posed for photographs and took off his mask in a defiant display after a stay in hospital.
Responding to comments from Mr Trump, Dr David Nace of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre said that COVID-19 was still a “complete threat” with Dr Sadiya Khan from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine adding: “I would go so far as to say (Mr Trump’s words) may precipitate or worsen spread.”
The 74-year-old former reality-show star also promised that the medicines being developed to treat the coronavirus are “all getting approved” and that vaccines “are coming momentarily”. He gave no further details but so far a vaccine is not expected to be widely-available until next year.
Earlier, the US President had waved to supporters as he walked out of the front doors at the Walter Reed Medical Centre, an Army Medical Centre in Maryland, after his three-night stint of treatment for COVID-19.
He did not answer questions form the press, saying only “thank you very much” after a reporter questioned him about the growing number of people who have been infected with the coronavirus at the White House.
This comes after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and Democratic presidential challenger, Joe Biden, engaged in the first US presidential debate before the election, with heated exchanges over COVID-19, race relations and election integrity.
Judd Deere, the White House’s deputy press secretary, has said “every precaution” was being taken to keep Donald Trump and his family, as well as his staff safe.
“Physical access to the president will be significantly limited and appropriate PPE will be worn when near him.”
Meanwhile, the President’s press secretary Kayleigh McEnany is the latest member of staff for the White House to test positive for the coronavirus, along with two other press office staff.
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