'No Mask Effect'... Trump Jr. Tests Positive for COVID-19

Donald Trump Jr.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, who continued his activities without wearing a mask despite the infection of an associate, has reportedly tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) earlier this week and is currently in self-quarantine.

According to foreign media on the 20th (local time), a spokesperson for Trump Jr. announced in a statement that Trump Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19.

They also stated, "He is currently in self-quarantine after testing positive and has shown no symptoms so far," adding, "He is following all COVID-19 medical guidelines."

Earlier in October, President Trump and First Lady Melania, along with their youngest son Barron, had contracted COVID-19 but have since recovered.

President Trump was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, receiving oxygen supplementation and other treatments after testing positive, but was discharged three days later.

Foreign media reported that since President Trump contracted COVID-19, at least 45 White House officials have tested positive over the past few months.

On the 20th, Andrew Giuliani, son of Rudy Giuliani, Trump's lawyer and former New York City mayor, also announced his positive diagnosis through his social media.

Additionally, Hannah McGinnis, one of Vice President Mike Pence's aides, reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month. Besides McGinnis, the Vice President's communications director and chief of staff also tested positive.

In July, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump Jr.'s girlfriend and the chief political fundraiser for the Trump campaign, tested positive and underwent COVID-19 testing, adjusting her movements accordingly.

However, even after the infection of his associates became known, Trump Jr. continued official activities without wearing a mask during the presidential election process. Last month, he appeared on a broadcast and said, "There are almost no COVID deaths." It is also reported that he shared posts on his Facebook claiming masks are ineffective.

Meanwhile, on the 20th, the daily number of COVID-19 cases in the United States reached 187,833. As the spread shows little sign of slowing and is resurging, a COVID-19 emergency has been declared across the entire country.