Trump diagnosis seen as wake-up call
Area political leaders hope Trumps recover quickly from COVID-19
KINGSTON, N.Y. » Political leaders in the Mid-Hudson Valley region hope President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, recover quickly from COVID-19.
But some emphasized Friday that the president and first lady condition is a wake-up call for following health guidelines such as wearing masks and social distancing.
U.S. Senator Patrick Maloney, D- Cold Spring, said in a statement that he hopes the Trumps get better soon. Maloney represents the 18th Congressional District.
“I am praying for President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump as they battle this virus,” Maloney said. “I wish them both a fast and complete recovery.”
“I am also praying for our country,” Maloney added. “We are all at risk, and our nation is in great peril. While the White House is focused on treating the president and containing the virus in the West Wing, our global adversaries may try to take advantage of this moment of vulnerability.”
Maloney added that those adversaries “must know we remain resolute and well prepared to defend our allies and interests.
“We must pull through this moment by pulling together,” Maloney added. “As one nation, we can be strong, victorious, and good.”
U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, DRhinebeck, posted on his campaign’s social media accounts, “Wishing the President and First Lady a fast and full recovery as they battle this terrible virus. No one is immune from this pandemic and we must be diligent in protecting and caring for ourselves and those around us.”
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, a Republican, said that he knows first-hand the danger of COVID-19.
Molinaro’s father Anthony Molinaro died in April, two days after the county executive announced his father had been placed on a ventilator.
“I know, personally, the human toll of this disease and send my best wishes and prayers to the President, First Lady & all those impacted for a full and speedy recovery,” Molinaro said. “This disease has taken far too much from far too many. Like others, I know it well. Be safe. Stay strong. Be kind.”
Dr. Brian Binetti, director of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery at Northern Duchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, said President Trump has risk factors.
“Certainly, little is known about his medical history and whether or not he has other medical comorbidities,” Binetti said in an email. “However, from prior statements about the President’s health going back to 2018, his body mass index (BMI) is above
30. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.”
“A BMI of 30 and above is considered obese,” Binetti added.
Binetti added that according to the Centers for Disease Control, patients with a BMI greater than 30 are three times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19.
“This fact added to his age and male gender puts him in a higher risk category for developing more severe disease, Binetti said.
“Obesity is also directly related to multiple comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease, which in Wuhan, China, were the most common comorbidities in COVID-19 patients who needed hospitalization. Therefore, it’s an easy conclusion to draw that if the president has any of these other health issues associated with obesity, he could have a more severe COVID-19 outcome,” the doctor said.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement that wishes the Trumps well, but also offered advice.
“My thoughts are with
President Trump and the First Lady and I wish them a full and speedy recovery,” Cuomo said. “This virus is vicious and spreads easily. Wear a mask. Let’s all look out for each other.”
State Sen. James Skoufis, D-Cornwall, who had recovered from COVID-19 earlier this year, said that the report of the Trump illness is a reminder.
“I’m wishing President Trump a speedy recovery,” Skoufis said. “(This is) a reminder that everyone ought to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible.”
“As someone who fell very ill from COVID-19 myself, I can attest that we must be
vigilant against the virus’ resurgence in New York State,” Skoufis said.
Senator Jen Metzger, DRosendale, said the Trump news sends a signal.
“It’s clear we are not out of the woods with this pandemic,” Metzger said in an email. “As we continue to process the news about President Trump and the First Lady’s test results, I wish them a swift recovery and hold everyone in the White House in my thoughts during this unsettling time,.
“This virus is serious, and I encourage everyone to continue to remain vigilant in following health protocols to keep our communities
safe,” Metzger added.
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston, offered up a brief statement.
“I wish the President and all who are or might be ill, good health,” Cahill wrote in an email.
State Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, also offered up a brief sentiment.
“The President and First Lady are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish them a full and speedy recovery,” Tague said in a statement.
State Sen. Sue Serino, RHyde Park, said the Trumps’ diagnosis should move others to stay vigilant.
“It’s a stark reminder that COVID-19 does not discriminate and we all must continue to take the precautions necessary to help keep our community safe and healthy,” Serino said in a statement. “We wish the President, First Lady and those impacted a full recovery.”
Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, a Democrat who has repeatedly stressed adherence to health guidelines, did that once again Friday.
“This is a stark reminder that COVID does not discriminate,” Ryan said in a statement. “We all need to continue to take this seriously and follow the proper precautions.”