Trump tests negative for virus

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has tested negative for the novel coronavirus, his physician said, following concerns over his exposure to a disease that has paralysed the globe.

Mr Trump agreed to the test after coming in contact with several members of a Brazilian presidential delegation visiting his Florida resort who have since tested positive for the virus.

“This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative,” the president’s physician Sean Conley said in a Saturday memo.

Mr Trump, 73, had dismissed concerns over his exposure to the disease which has killed at least 51 Americans and upended the rhythm of daily life across the country, with millions working from home and schools shut.

New York, the most populous US city, saw its first coronavirus death on Saturday, as store shelves were stripped bare after days of panic buying.

Across the Hudson River in Teaneck, New Jersey, Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin called for a citywide self-quarantine after 18 cases were confirmed in the township.

“What we are saying is that we are ground zero,” Mr Hameeduddin said. “Expect or act as though you’re going to infect somebody or somebody is going to infect you.”

Vice President Mike Pence announced further curbs on travel to the United States, saying a ban imposed on European nations over the pandemic would be extended to the United Kingdom and Ireland tomorrow.

The restrictions threw airports across the country into disarray, with incoming travellers forced to wait hours for medical screenings before passing through customs.

Illinois governor JB Pritzker said the long lines at Chicago’s O’Hare airport were “unacceptable”.

“The federal government needs to get its s@#t together. NOW,” he tweeted.

Acting Homeland Security secretary Chad Wolf said his office was working with airlines to improve screening times.

Mr Trump advised against nonessential travel and said officials were also considering imposing domestic restrictions.

“If you don’t have to travel, I wouldn’t do it,” Mr Trump said at a White House news conference. “We want this thing to end.”

In an official proclamation, he also named yesterday a national day of prayer “for all people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic”.

Mr Trump declared a national emergency on Friday, freeing up some US$50 billion (1.5 trillion baht) in disaster relief funds.

The US House of Representatives also passed a bill — crafted by Democrats in consultation with the Trump administration — to provide billions of dollars for free testing, emergency sick leave and family leave. It is expected to pass the Republican-majority Senate.

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 5,800 lives in at least 137 countries.

Repeatedly attacked for sending out mixed signals on the crisis, the president raised eyebrows on Friday when he was seen shaking hands as he gathered his coronavirus response team at the White House.

On Saturday, he blamed habit — “people put their hand out... you don’t think about it” — but said it would have to change.