Mike Pence and Second Lady Test Negative for Coronavirus

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Mar 21, 2020

Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence have completed coronavirus tests that indicate they don’t have the disease, a relief after a staff member for the family was diagnosed with the virus.

Pence announced on Saturday morning that he intended to receive a coronavirus test after the White House announced that a Pence staff member tested positive on Friday. Later in the day, he confirmed that his personal coronavirus test along with a test his wife took came back negative, indicating that he doesn’t have the disease.

Pence provided a heartening update on the medical condition of the anonymous staff member that tested positive, stating that he was “doing well.” He hasn’t been at the White House since Monday, and is described as having cold-like symptoms.

Pence follows the President himself in getting a coronavirus test. Donald Trump tested negative for the disease, seeking out a test after coming into contact with a coronavirus-infected individual during an event with the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at his Mar-a-Lago Florida resort.

The Vice President is currently tasked with leading the federal government’s coronavirus task force effort, coordinating efforts with governors, the Department for Health and Human Services, and the Center for Disease Control.

President Trump described the experience of receiving a coronavirus test during a press briefing earlier this week. The process involves a nasal swab being pressed into the nose and collecting a sample from the back of a person’s throat. Certainly not very pleasant, but a small price compared to carrying the virus without knowing for sure.

With both the President and the Vice President confirmed not to be carrying the disease, distractions surrounding the personal health of the executive branch can be dismissed.