American President, Donald Trump, Friday, pushed up the number of world leaders afflicted by the deadly Coronavirus pandemic to 11.
Trump’s announcement on Friday that he and his wife, Melania had tested positive to the virus, saw things moving very fast for him as he was spirited to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre the same day “out of abundance of caution.”
Yesterday evening, an attempt by Trump’s doctor to reassure the public about his condition only created widespread confusion and concerns about transparency, as a source familiar with the American president’s health told reporters that the next 48 hours will be critical in determining how he fares.
“The President’s vitals over the last 24 hours were very concerning and the next 48 hours will be critical in terms of his care. We are still not on a clear path to a full recovery,” the source told White House pool reporters after the briefing from his doctors.
Yesterday morning, the President’s physician, Navy Commodore (Dr.) Sean Conley, had offered an upbeat assessment of the President’s condition stating that he was feeling well, that he had been “fever-free” for 24 hours and that his symptoms, which included an “extremely mild cough,” nasal congestion and fatigue “are resolving and improving.”
Conley was evasive about when and if Trump had received supplemental oxygen, saying, “He is not on oxygen.”
But a source close to the White House said Trump has received supplemental oxygen since his illness began. Trump “definitely has had oxygen,” the source said, adding that it was on Friday.
The New York Times first reported the oxygen development. CNN reported on Friday that the President was having a hard time breathing. The rosy briefing from doctors, which contradicts other information emerging about Trump’s condition, served as a brief relief to a nation plunged into a deepening crisis as the circle of current and former aides to the president were rapidly testing positive.
