Biden under pressure to suspend campaign as President Trump tests positive for coronavirus

President Donald Trump and his wife Melania have tested positive for coronavirus and are now in quarantine in the White House.

In a tweet posted at 3:44 am UK-time, the President announced that he had begun to self-isolate after Hope Hicks, a 31-year old senior adviser to Donald Trump and his former White House Director of Communications, tested positive. Hicks had apparently travelled with him on Air Force One prior to the opening presidential debate on Tuesday evening.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1311859538279239686

Two hours later, the President confirmed the result: “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for Covid-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

The President’s Physician, Sean P. Conley, has since released a statement: “The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.”

“Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments”, the statement added.

It is another extraordinary turn in an extraordinary presidential election. The development casts doubts over whether the President will be able to make the next presidential debate, which is due to take place in Florida on Thursday October 15.

At the time of writing, Joe Biden has yet to respond to the latest events. It is likely that the former Vice President will come under pressure to suspend his campaign if President Trump’s condition worsens while he is in quarantine.

This article was last updated at 8:45am GMT.