On Friday, Oct. 2, at 12:54 a.m., President Donald Trump announced via Twitter that he and First Lady Melania Trump had both tested positive for COVID-19.

This news comes following the previous announcement from the White House that Senior Staff member and Counselor to the President Hope Hicks tested positive for the coronavirus. White House officials have had that information since Wednesday evening. President Trump announced this at 11 p.m. on Oct. 1, stating that he and the first lady would be beginning their quarantine process together while they awaited their test results. 

The President’s Physician, Sean P. Conley, assured the public that the president would continue to carry out his duties throughout his recovery, briefly discussing his and the first lady’s health.

“The president and the first lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence,” Dr. Conley said in a statement. 

According to current CDC guidelines, President Trump, at 74 years old, is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to his age. This could add a new challenge to the existing difficulties of leading the country as well as campaigning during the pandemic.