Recovering from virus, Gov. Northam chides President Trump for downplaying COVID-19
Gov. Ralph Northam has fired back at President Donald Trump’s claims that Americans shouldn’t fear the coronavirus, according to an interview with The Washington Post.
Northam has personal experience with the virus after announcing he and his wife, Pam, tested positive for the coronavirus 11 days ago.
“This virus is very real, and it is dangerous to downplay a disease that has killed over 210,000 Americans,” Northam said in a tweet sharing The Post story. “We will get through this, but it takes everyone doing their part to stay safe.”
He also gave The Post an update on his own condition, noting that he has developed “mild” symptoms, and is handling business matters remotely, holding meetings via videoconference and talking with lawmakers on the phone.
“I haven’t had any fever nor shortness of breath, no coughing. My oxygen level is doing well. Pam is doing well also,” said Northam, who added he lost the sense of smell over the weekend.
He said he was alarmed Trump was downplaying the virus while experiencing a serious case of it himself.
Trump was hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center on Friday after suffering low oxygen levels and had received an aggressive series of treatments, The Post reported.
“Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life,” Trump said Monday in a tweet.
Northam said during the interview Monday that the president’s message is “wrong,” and referred to more than 200,000 Americans who have died due to COVID-19, as well as more than 7 million people who have been infected.
“It’s irresponsible to make a statement like that,” Northam said.
Northam said the president has access to health care that most Americans do not, and while he and his wife have not received any treatment for it, they are monitoring their health.
The couple is isolated in the governor’s mansion, and all staffers have been sent home except for security personnel, The Post reported. Their adult children have not been allowed to visit.
“If everything continues to go well … our first public appearance will be on Monday (Oct. 12),” he said, referring to the dedication of a new state park in Gloucester County.
Northam encouraged Virginians to keep wearing face masks, social distancing and washing their hands, The Post reported.
He said that’s how the Northams have prevented themselves from spreading the virus to people they encounter.
According to The Post, the state has tested at least 65 people who were in contact with Northam and his wife. As of Monday, none had registered positive.
“Continue to be vigilant and not get it,” Northam said. “That’s the safest approach.”