Discharge Decision Announced Four Days After Hospitalization
Wife Melania Also Mentions Symptom Improvement
Infections Continue Among White House Staff Including Spokesperson
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump, who is hospitalized for treatment of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), announced that he will be discharged from Walter Reed Military Hospital at 6:30 p.m. on the 5th (local time).
President Trump revealed the discharge decision on his Twitter account that day. He said, "I feel very good. Don't be afraid of COVID. Don't let it dominate your life. Under the Trump administration, we have developed great medicines and knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago."
After publicly announcing his COVID-19 infection in the early hours of the 2nd, President Trump completed his treatment for COVID-19 and returned to the White House just four days after being abruptly admitted to Walter Reed Military Hospital that evening.
Earlier that morning, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows had predicted in a media interview that President Trump would decide to be discharged within the day after consulting with medical staff.
President Trump showed strong determination to return to work and election campaigning by posting 19 "storm tweets" just that morning.
First Lady Melania, who was also diagnosed with COVID-19 and is being treated at the White House alongside President Trump, announced that her symptoms have improved. Through Twitter that day, Melania said, "Our family is grateful for all the prayers and support! I am feeling well and will continue to rest at home." She added, "Thank you to all the medical staff and caregivers everywhere. I will continue to pray for those who are sick or have family affected by COVID-19."
Meanwhile, although President Trump is returning to the White House, COVID-19 cases within the White House continue. That day, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany disclosed that she tested positive for COVID-19. McEnany is known as a close aide and 'bodyguard' to President Trump.
McEnany stated that she currently has no symptoms, but White House correspondents expressed strong dissatisfaction, saying that even the day before, McEnany held a briefing without wearing a mask. In response, McEnany claimed in a statement that although she briefly spoke with reporters the previous evening, none of the reporters, producers, or media members listed as close contacts by White House medical authorities were present.
CNN reported that two other staff members working with Press Secretary McEnany also tested positive for COVID-19.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
