Donald Trump's Coronavirus Test Results Spark Strong Response From Social Media

Daniel S. Levine

03/14/2020 08:57 pm EDT

President Donald Trump tested negative for the coronavirus, White House physician, Dr. Sean Conley said in a memo later Saturday night. The memo came just hours after Conley said the president did not need to be tested because he did not show symptoms of COVID-19, although Trump confirmed in a press conference Saturday morning he was tested. The response to the test result was strong, with supporters celebrating the news and critics questioning its legitimacy.

"Last night after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed," Conley wrote Saturday. "This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative."

"One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom-free," Conley continued. "I have been in daily contact with the CDC and White House Coronavirus Task Force, and we are encouraging the implementation of all their best practices for exposure reduction and transmission mitigation."

Although physicians have said it is possible to have contracted the coronavirus and not show symptoms, Conley said Friday night the president did not need to be tested. However, Trump did come into contact with individuals who tested positive for the virus at Mar-A-Lago when Brazilian officials. An aide to Brazilian President Jaid Bolsonaro tested positive and was pictured next to Trump. The aide started feeling symptoms three days after meeting Trump, reports The Hill.

"The President's exposure to the first individual was extremely limited (photograph, handshake), and though he spent more time in close proximity to the second case, all interactions occurred before any symptom onset," Conley wrote Friday night. "These interactions would be categorized as LOW risk for transmission per CDC guidelines, and as such, there is no indication for home quarantine at this time. Additionally, given the president himself remains without symptoms, testing for COVID-19 is not currently indicated."

Photo credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

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Trump's decision to get tested came after his Rose Garden press conference, when he was asked if he would get tested.

"Most likely, yes. Not for that reason, but because I think I will do it anyway," Trump said, referring to the interaction with Brazilian officials.

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Trump is 73, making him among the most at-risk for contracting the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are at a higher risk, as are people with serious chronic medical conditions. That includes heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

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If you are among the groups at a higher risk, the CDC suggests stocking up on supplies and taking precautions to increase space between yourself and others. After going out in public, you should wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. It is also suggested keeping away from crowds and avoiding non-essential air travel. You should stay home as much as possible during an outbreak, the CDC advises.

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On Friday, Trump declared a national emergency, giving states and territories access to $50 billion "in our shared fight against this disease."

"In furtherance of the order, I'm urging every state to set up emergency operation centers effective immediately," Trump continued. "You're going to be hearing from some of the largest companies and greatest retailers and medical companies in the world. They're standing right behind me and the side of me. I'm also asking every hospital in this country to activate its emergency preparedness plan so that they can meet the needs of Americans everywhere. "

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Elsewhere in his statement, Trump said the government is working to have 1.4 million tests available next week and 5 million within a month.

"We've been in discussions with pharmacies and retailers to make drive-through tests available in the critical locations identified by public health professionals," Trump said."The goal is for individuals to be able to drive up and be swabbed without having to leave your car."

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Trump also said Google has developed a website that would "determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location."

However, a Google source told Wired Trump's comments were incorrect.

"We are developing a tool to help triage individuals for Covid-19 testing," Google later tweeted. "Verily is in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time."

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