White House releases new coronavirus precautions for residence staff amid President Trump's diagnosis
The extra precautions come amid President Trump and other staff members testing positive for COVID-19
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The White House on Tuesday released updated safety precautions for staff at the executive residence after President Trump’s announcement last week that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
In a press release, the White House said it has hired independent health consultants who are available to check on staff and their families, while “facilitating ancillary testing as needed.”
The White House also said it has hired a “well-being” consultant for staff members to speak to regarding mental health concerns.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The White House is seen in Washington, early Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020, the morning after President Donald Trump returned from the hospital where he was treated for COVID-19. (AP)
“The health and safety of the residence staff is of the utmost importance to the First Family,” the White House said.
Staff are wearing personal protective equipment, and are taking all necessary precautions, including updated procedures to protect against cross-contamination.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}President Trump announced early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump were in quarantine at the White House after each tested positive for the coronavirus. The couple had undergone testing after learning that senior White House adviser Hope Hicks had tested positive for the virus. Hicks had recently accompanied the president on several trips, including Cleveland for the first debate against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
After being treated for three days at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, President Trump returned to the White House Monday night. He tweeted Tuesday morning that he is planning to attend next week’s debate with Biden in Miami.
The president’s diagnosis has fueled speculation over the White House’s policy with keeping its staff safe during the pandemic.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The White House maintains that since March, it has adopted hospital-grade disinfection policies, had medical teams lead coronavirus workshops, significantly reduced staff, and encourage maximum teleworking.
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In March, the White House provided sanitization and filtration systems to every employee for use in their homes to protect them and their family members. And since April, all staff members have been required to wear masks at all times, the White House said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.