President Trump is being treated with remdesivir at Walter Reed Hospital after experiencing coronavirus symptoms that White House spokespeople say are mild. Trump had previously received a cocktail of experimental drugs that have shown efficacy in recent COVID-19 trials.
Sixteen hours after confirming late Thursday night that he and his wife Melania tested positive for coronavirus, President Trump made his first public appearance. He was seen walking from the White House to a helicopter and then flown to Walter Reed, the hospital where presidents are treated, and where he’ll remain under observation for a few days. “President Trump remains in good spirits, has mild symptoms, and has been working throughout the day,” Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. “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.” Trump posted a clip on Twitter where he confirmed he was going to Walter Reed, saying at the time that was doing very well. This was his first message since confirming his COVID-19 diagnosis. The President walked on his own to Marine One, wearing a suit and a tie. The White House physician, Navy Cmdr. Dr. Sean Conley, confirmed Trump’s mild symptoms and said he would receive remdesivir at the hospital. In addition to that, Trump got a cocktail of drugs at the White House that included a new COVID-19 drug that’s still in clinical testing. Of note, the list of meds Trump has received so far does not include the drug he often touted as a potential COVID-19 cure, hydroxychloroquine. “This evening, I’m happy to report that the President is doing very well. He is not requiring any supplemental oxygen, but in consultation with specialists, we have elected to initiate Remdesivir therapy,” Conley wrote in a memo.
