Trump Undergoes Testing After Multiple Contacts with COVID-19 Positive Cases... "Results Pending"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] After it was revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump had direct or indirect contact with individuals who tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), he finally announced on the 14th (local time) that he had undergone a COVID-19 test and was awaiting the results.

According to the Associated Press (AP) and others, President Trump responded to a question at the White House press briefing on the same day asking if he had been tested for COVID-19 by saying, "I was tested last night as well," and added, "It was sent to the lab." He said he did not know exactly when the results would come out but expected it to take a day or two.

Concerns about President Trump's possible infection surfaced after a person who attended a conservative group event last month tested positive. On the 7th, a person who sat at the dinner table with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago in Florida tested positive, and on the 8th, another person who attended a fundraising event also tested positive. AP reported that it appears President Trump met with at least three confirmed cases.

As this information became public, public opinion arose that President Trump should also be tested. This was due to the fact that at age 73, he has existing health conditions that increase the risk of complications. Before entering the briefing room that day, President Trump underwent a fever check, and when asked about his temperature as he was leaving the briefing room, he turned around and replied, "Completely normal."

Vice President Pence, who was present at the briefing, said in response to related questions that he had not yet been tested but that he and his wife, Karen Pence, would like to be tested and that he would consult with their physician immediately after the briefing.

President Trump also addressed why he shook hands with attendees at the previous day's national emergency declaration press conference, saying that he is not originally a person who likes to shake hands but that it has almost become a habit since becoming a politician. He said, "It is a good thing to avoid shaking hands." He emphasized, "People come up to me and want to shake hands. It is a kind of natural reflex. You would also shake hands if someone approached you and extended their hand. Handshakes are no longer a good thing. I agree. It is better to avoid them."

AP, citing sources, reported that President Trump was reluctant to disclose his COVID-19 test results because it could cause fear among people. He wanted to show that he was in control of all crisis situations. However, as President Trump and senior White House aides were repeatedly exposed to confirmed cases, he reconsidered and took related measures, AP explained.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.