Good wishes, sympathy – and glee – as world reacts to shock infection

UNCERTAINTY

NEWS OF the infection of the world’s most powerful man with coronavirus drew instant reactions of shock, sympathy and undisguised glee.

The 74- year- old US president’s announcement that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for Covid- 19 permeated global news, sparking comment everywhere from presidential offices to the thousands weighing in on social media.

The positive test reading for the leader of the world’s largest economy adds more uncertainty to investors’ worries, including how the infection might affect the November 3 election between Mr Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

US stock futures and Asian shares fell in the wake of the news. The future contracts for both the S& P 500 and the Dow industrials lost 1.9 per cent. Oil prices also slipped. Stock prices in Japan and Australia tumbled.

“To say this potentially could be a big deal is an understatement,” financial services firm Rabobank said.

“Anyway, everything now takes a back seat to the latest incredible twist in this US election campaign.”

Boris Johnson, who himself was severely ill with Covid- 19. wished Mr Trump a speedy recovery. “Our best wishes go to the president and First Lady,” he said, “but it demonstrates that no one is immune from Covid- 19. So it shows that no matter the precautions, we are all susceptible to this.”

Vladimir Putin extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to

Mr Trump and his wife, expressing “sincere support in this difficult moment” in a statement released by the Kremlin.

It said the Russian president sent Mr Trump a telegram saying: “I hope your inherent vitality, good spirits and optimism will help you cope with the dangerous virus.”