Biden tests negative for virus after debate with Trump

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Democratic nominee Joe Biden announced Friday he has tested for the novel coronavirus, just hours after the White House confirmed President Donald Trump is experiencing mild symptoms.

Biden said in a message posted to Twitter both he and his wife, Jill Biden, have tested negative just three days after he faced off with Trump during the first presidential debate.

"Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands," Biden said.

Biden's announcement comes on the heels of Trump's early Friday morning announcement that he has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The White House later said he is experiencing mild symptoms, and promised additional updates on his health during the day.

Vanity Fair reported the president is ailing from a fever and cough.

The White House has removed most of the day's scheduled events from the president's daily schedule, leaving only a mid-day phone call.

The president is among those at highest risk for the virus' most dire health consequences. He is medically considered obese, and at 74 years old is elderly. Both groups make up individuals at highest risk for severe health consequences from COVID-19.

The president's announcement came hours after Hope Hicks, one of Trump's closest aides who traveled with him as recently as Wednesday evening, tested positive for the virus.

Trump has spent much of the year downplaying the severity of the virus, and has repeatedly appeared in public without a mask. Many of his family members and supporters declined to don them during Tuesday night's debate, violating the event's rules even as staff attempted to have audience members wear the protective face coverings.