Anyone who has come into close contact with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in recent days is having their temperature checked.
The administration announced Saturday that, “out of an abundance of caution,” the decision was made to take the temperatures of those who have been in close proximity to the president and vice president.
“Out of an abundance of caution, temperature checks are now being performed on any individuals who are in close contact with the President and Vice President,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said in a statement.
With the president scheduled to hold a press conference on the latest in the coronavirus outbreak and the administration’s efforts to address the pandemic, White House reporters waiting in the briefing area also had their temperatures checked.
Wow. Per pooler @fran_chambers, a WH physician just administered temperature checks to reporters in the briefing area. Reminder: Trump himself has yet to undergo a COVID-19 test himself. pic.twitter.com/hrViAgjdLw
— Gabby Orr (@GabbyOrr_) March 14, 2020
One person was reportedly turned away because his temperature was too high.
According to the White House Medical Unit, the temperature was taken three times over a 15 minute period – all three registered above the @CDCgov 100.4 guidelines. https://t.co/E2uORqvcxS
— Katie Miller (@VPPressSec) March 14, 2020
Although Politico reporter Gabby Orr tweeted that the president had not yet been tested for the coronavirus, Trump said on Friday that he’d “most likely get tested.” On Saturday, he told reporters that he had his temperature taken before coming into the briefing room and has taken a COVID-19 test but is still awaiting the results.
NEW: Pres. Trump says he was tested for COVID-19 after being pressed on whether he would take it after meeting with Brazilian official who reportedly tested positive for the virus. “I decided I should based on the press conference yesterday.” https://t.co/kAUWcu0Kk0 pic.twitter.com/XJbBQRdfqY
— ABC News (@ABC) March 14, 2020
Pence later noted that although he has not been tested, he and his wife Karen Pence would do so if the White House medical team advised them.
VP Pence: WH doctor has said that neither I nor Mrs. Pence need to be tested. I will be speaking with the WH doctor right after this briefing.
“Mrs Pence and I would be more than happy to be tested,” he added.
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) March 14, 2020
Trump spoke to reporters with an update on the administration’s actions, following his declaration of a national emergency on Friday as the United States has seen at least 2,174 confirmed cases and 49 deaths related to the virus.
“We’re using the full power of the federal government to defeat the virus,” the president said.
“We’re using the full power of the federal government to defeat the virus.”
@realDonaldTrump has secured billions of dollars for this fight, and is continuing to take unprecedented action to confront coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/UrE6Fm3xK2— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) March 14, 2020
After announcing earlier this week that travel from Europe – excluding the U.K. and Ireland – would be restricted for 30 days, Trump noted a change as the restrictions were expanded to include those areas. Pence explained that Americans currently overseas would be tested for the virus once they returned to certain U.S. airports.
Trump also noted that domestic travel restrictions, “specifically from certain areas,” were also under consideration
“If you don’t have to travel I wouldn’t do it… we want this thing to end,” he said.
JUST IN: Pres. Trump says he is considering domestic travel restrictions “specifically from certain areas,” after Pentagon restricted service members’ domestic travel.
“If you don’t have to travel I wouldn’t do it… we want this thing to end.” https://t.co/5lEVV2i6Gg pic.twitter.com/J8bjHXVdLr
— ABC News (@ABC) March 14, 2020
“The president has really taken unprecedented action to protect the safety and the security of the American public,” acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said at the news conference.
Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf: “The president has really taken unprecedented action to protect the safety and the security of the American public”https://t.co/PSwhLUNjxo pic.twitter.com/NyL33Xi7Wr
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 14, 2020
Surgeon General Jerome Adams admonished reporters for “criticism or finger-pointing” at the administration’s coronavirus response.
Surgeon General Jerome Adams tells the media, “No more criticism and finger pointing” and adds, “Less stories looking back at what happened in the past.” pic.twitter.com/9Z3u8XQmqk
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) March 14, 2020
“We really need you all to lean into and prioritize the health and safety of the American people,” Adams said at the briefing.
“No more bickering. No more partisanship. No more criticism or finger-pointing,” he continued. “There’ll be plenty of time for that.”
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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