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Lessons We Can Learn From Trump’s Covid-19 Diagnosis
Politics aside, take this seriously
The early-Friday revelation that President Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for Covid-19 sparked questions, speculation, and countless Twitter hot takes — and brought to mind a handful of critical reminders about the dangers of the coronavirus, and how to stay as safe as possible.
Access to frequent testing doesn’t protect you
The Trumps and White House staff get tested for Covid-19 daily. While fast and frequent testing is a helpful tool in the fight to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, it doesn’t prevent transmission — wearing masks and social distancing does.
Even people you trust can get you sick
While we still don’t know exactly when and how the Trumps contracted Covid-19, they tested positive shortly after senior adviser Hope Hicks did. Hicks has long been part of President Trump’s inner circle, and traveled with him several times this week — if she’s the one who spread Covid-19 to the Trumps, it’s a reminder that even your most trusted friends and family are fully capable of infecting you.
Take symptoms seriously as soon as they appear
According to reports, Hicks didn’t feel well during a campaign trip to Minnesota earlier this week, and we’re learning that President Trump seemed lethargic on Thursday and possibly even on Wednesday. Hicks “quarantined” on the flight back from Minnesota, though it’s unclear exactly what that entailed, and Trump attended a fundraiser in New Jersey on Thursday — which continued even after Trump officials were notified about Hicks’ positive test. (RNC…
