Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his wife have both tested negative for the coronavirus, their physician announced Friday, less than 12 hours after President Donald Trump revealed his own positive diagnosis.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor said that both Bidens underwent PCR testing, a nasal swab, after it was revealed that Trump and first lady Melania Trump both have the virus. Biden and Trump shared a debate stage on Tuesday night, and both wives were in attendance.
Biden also weighed in on Twitter, saying he was happy to report the negative result.
“Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern,” he wrote. “I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.”
I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020
Earlier in the morning, he and Jill Biden sent best wishes to the first family for a swift recovery.
“We will continue to pray for the health and safety of the president and his family,” Biden wrote.
Biden was scheduled to appear at campaign events in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday but it is unclear whether those plans will change.
Behind the scenes, top aides were urging staff to keep a low public profile.
“As this situation continues to unfold, we ask that you refrain from posting about the situation on social media unless otherwise directed by your manager,” wrote campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon in a memo to Biden staffers.
Vice presidential nominee. Kamala Harris, who was not in Cleveland for the first presidential debate, and her husband, Doug Emhoff, both tested negative for the virus on Friday morning. Harris will continue her planned travel to Las Vegas on Friday for campaign events.
“Doug and I join Joe Biden and Dr. Biden in wishing President Trump and the First Lady a full and speedy recovery,” the California senator wrote in a tweet on Friday morning. “We’re keeping them and the entire Trump family in our thoughts.”
At least one close associate of Biden’s who was at the presidential debate reported seeking a new coronavirus test in light of Trump’s revelation.
“I was tested for COVID-19 again this morning and received a negative result,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del. “I continue to pray for the President and the First Lady, for all who have been infected during this pandemic, and for all of our frontline, essential workers.”
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