usatoday--2020-10-04--On President Donald Trump and COVID-19, just tell the truth to the American people

When it comes to the coronavirus pandemic , the Trump administration has hardly been transparent or truthful .
On numerous occasions , top officials , and President Donald Trump himself , have withheld , underestimated , downplayed and outright lied .
But when actual scientists and medical experts have been allowed to speak , they have generally been as accurate as possible .
That ended Saturday when the president 's physician , Dr. Sean Conley , refused to provide meaningful disclosure on the president 's condition during a late morning briefing with reporters .
Reassuringly , Conley said the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors are `` extremely happy '' with his progress .
But the doctor undercut his credibility by saying he 'd `` rather not '' give information on Trump 's fever before admission and where and when the president contracted the virus .
Conley was evasive when pressed about the use of supplemental oxygen .
Actually , Dr. Conley , the American people would rather that you do provide information .
In fact , they insist on it .
The health of the president is of national and international security concern .
All you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without spin or evasion .
The opaqueness of the response was even more troubling when , minutes after Conley concluded his briefing , an administration official told pool reporters at the hospital that the president was actually in worse health than was indicated in the briefing , calling his vital signs over the previous 24 hours `` very concerning '' and saying the next 48 hours could be crucial .
Sadly , this state of confusion underscored how Trump and his aides make no distinction between the institution of government and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This behavior is less like a modern president than it is Louis XIV , the 17th and 18th century king of France who blithely observed , `` L'etat , c'est moi . ''
I am the state .
News of the president 's condition came as at least three Republican senators and several high-ranking Republican officials tested positive as well , testament to how the White House itself has become a place where COVID-19 has spread .
Of particular concern was an event held a week ago to announce the nomination to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Few of the attendees wore masks , and many could be seen greeting each other with hugs and handshakes .
Numerous Trump invitees to Tuesday 's presidential debate in Cleveland also did not wear masks , ignoring rules established by the Cleveland Clinic .
In a year with so much turmoil already , news that the president and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 was the latest shock .
For many , this `` October surprise '' came with a kind of silent numbness .
For others , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lackadaisical attitude toward masks and social distancing , or to make breathless predictions about the news ’ impact on the election or the Supreme Court .
The best course for the public is to take a deep breath and join in wishing the president and first lady a speedy recovery .
The best course for the White House is to level with the American people .

On President Donald Trump and COVID-19, just tell the truth to the American people Our View: Dr. Sean Conley says he'd 'rather not' disclose specifics. Dr. Conley, the nation would rather know more than less.
This editorial, originally published Oct. 3, has been updated.
When it comes to the coronavirus pandemic, the Trump administration has hardly been transparent or truthful. On numerous occasions, top officials, and President Donald Trump himself, have withheld, underestimated, downplayed and outright lied.
But when actual scientists and medical professionals have been allowed to speak, they have generally been as accurate as possible. That ended Saturday when the president's physician, Dr. Sean Conley, refused to provide meaningful disclosure on the president's condition during a late morning briefing with reporters.
Conley delivered the reassuring and welcome news that the "president is doing very well" and doctors are "extremely happy" with his progress. But the doctor undercut his credibility by saying he'd "rather not" give information on such questions as Trump's fever before admission and where and when the president contracted the virus. Conley was evasive when pressed about the use of supplemental oxygen.
The next 48 hours
Actually, Dr. Conley, the American people would rather that you do provide information. In fact, they insist on it. The health of the president is of urgent national and international security concern. All you have to do is tell the truth, without spin or evasion.
The opaqueness of the response was even more troubling when, minutes after Conley concluded his briefing, an administration official (later identified as White House chief of staff Mark Meadows) told pool reporters at the hospital that the president was actually in worse health than was indicated in the briefing, calling his vital signs over the previous 24 hours "very concerning" and saying the next 48 hours could be crucial.
At Sunday's briefing, Conley, a Navy officer who is paid by the taxpayers but reports to the commander in chief, was modestly more forthcoming about Trump's vital signs and medications. The doctor said "the president has continued to improve" and acknowledged that Trump had been running a high fever and been given supplemental oxygen at the White House on Friday.
Asked why he had ducked questions Saturday, he said he was trying to "reflect the upbeat attitude" of the medical team. At another point, in response to an inquiry about whether Trump is in a negative-pressure room, Conley replied that he was "not going to get into the specifics" of the president's care.
Feeding anxiety and conspiracy theories
Really? Then why bother with these briefings? The point ought to be to deliver honest, factual information about the president's condition and prognosis, not rosy scenarios. The public can handle the truth; a lack of transparency only feeds anxiety and conspiracy theories.
Sunday's briefing left unanswered questions about how high the president's fever had been, whether he had received more supplemental oxygen on Saturday, whether he has signs of pneumonia, the level of inflammation in his body and the date of his last negative COVID-19 test.
Sadly, the confusion and mixed messages underscored how Trump and his aides make scant distinction between the institution of government and the man who occupies its top office. This behavior is less like a modern president than it is Louis XIV, the 17th and 18th century king of France who blithely observed, "L'etat, c'est moi." I am the state.
Reports on the president's condition came as at least three Republican senators and several high-ranking Republican officials tested positive as well, testament to how the White House itself has become a place where COVID-19 has spread.
Not wearing masks
Of particular concern was an event held on Sept. 26 to announce the nomination to the Supreme Court of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Few of the attendees wore masks, and many could be seen greeting each other with hugs and handshakes.
Numerous Trump invitees to Tuesday's presidential debate in Cleveland also did not wear masks, ignoring rules established by the Cleveland Clinic.
In a year with so much turmoil already, news that the president and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 was the latest shock. For many, this "October surprise" came with a kind of silent numbness. For others, it was a chance to condemn the president’s lackadaisical attitude toward masks and social distancing, or to make breathless predictions about the news’ impact on the election or the Supreme Court.
The best course for the public is to take a deep breath and join in wishing the president and first lady a speedy recovery. The best course for the White House is to level with the American people.


usatoday--2020-10-03--Opinion: With Cam Newton's positive test, COVID-19's wrath on NFL season may be just beginning

The NFL ’ s worst week yet in battling COVID-19 has another sudden face : Cam Newton .
As the league grapples with the Tennessee Titans outbreak that forced the postponement of a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers , one of the NFL ’ s biggest fears came to fruition when a second game was put on ice after Newton was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Saturday .
The showdown at Arrowhead Stadium pitting the New England Patriots and defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs has been postponed , perhaps to be played on Monday or Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterback Jordan Ta ’ amu , according to multiple reports , tested positive .
Obviously , the setback for the star quarterback – in the midst of an impressive comeback season – threw a last-minute wrench into hopes of upsetting the Chiefs .
Even if the game is played early next week , Newton wouldn ’ t play – unless his test result turns out to have been false .
More : Opinion : Some NFL owners send mixed messages with political support for Trump In any event , Newton ’ s case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hammers home the tenuous nature of the NFL ’ s plans to play a full season – and the havoc that can he wreaked in the hours before the bulk of the week ’ s games are to be played – while in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
It appears no other Patriots have been placed on the list with Newton , or that any coaches or staff have tested positive for COVID-19 .
In a statement released late Saturday morning , the Patriots did not directly confirm Newton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the test result on Friday night and that the player immediately entered self-quarantine .
Several players , coaches and staff who were in close contact with the infected player underwent point-of-care tests on Saturday and those test results were negative .
Contingency plans only go so far .
Jarrett Stidham , the second-year pro who until Newton signed was expected to fill the role vacated with the departure of Tom Brady , will likely start at Kansas City if the game is played in the coming days .
An adjustment will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed coordinator Josh McDaniels to craft game plans around the quarterback ’ s prowess as a runner , a key factor in New England leading the league in rushing .
Meanwhile , the contingencies involving the Titans – who on Saturday had one player and two staff members test positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total to nine players and nine staff members to test positive since Sept. 24 -- underscore the big-picture risk for the league .
The Titans-Steelers matchup was pushed back to Week 8 , which was originally scheduled as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steelers ’ game against Baltimore was moved to Week 7 , to accommodate the Titans-Steelers contest .
That may have been an easy fix and there are more gaps that can be filled by the bye weeks on the calendar .
But there ’ s clearly a limit .
The league can ’ t have many more revisions if it expects to have a full season with each team playing 16 games .
Until this week , the NFL has avoided disruptions caused by the coronavirus , which in large part was likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily testing .
As the past few days have shown , even the most stringent safeguards can be penetrated by COVID-19 , which may be only beginning to inflict its most serious wrath on the NFL ’ s 2020 season .

Opinion: With Cam Newton's positive test, COVID-19's wrath on NFL season may be just beginning
The NFL’s worst week yet in battling COVID-19 has another sudden face: Cam Newton.
As the league grapples with the Tennessee Titans outbreak that forced the postponement of a matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the NFL’s biggest fears came to fruition when a second game was put on ice after Newton was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list on Saturday.
The showdown at Arrowhead Stadium pitting the New England Patriots and defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs has been postponed, perhaps to be played on Monday or Tuesday, after Newton and Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, according to multiple reports, tested positive.
Obviously, the setback for the star quarterback – in the midst of an impressive comeback season – threw a last-minute wrench into hopes of upsetting the Chiefs. Even if the game is played early next week, Newton wouldn’t play – unless his test result turns out to have been false.
More: Opinion: Some NFL owners send mixed messages with political support for Trump
More: Mike McCarthy, Cowboys players explain defense's historically bad start to season
In any event, Newton’s case, coupled with the Titans outbreak, hammers home the tenuous nature of the NFL’s plans to play a full season – and the havoc that can he wreaked in the hours before the bulk of the week’s games are to be played – while in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
It appears no other Patriots have been placed on the list with Newton, or that any coaches or staff have tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement released late Saturday morning, the Patriots did not directly confirm Newton’s status, but indicated that it learned of the test result on Friday night and that the player immediately entered self-quarantine. Several players, coaches and staff who were in close contact with the infected player underwent point-of-care tests on Saturday and those test results were negative.
Contingency plans only go so far. Jarrett Stidham, the second-year pro who until Newton signed was expected to fill the role vacated with the departure of Tom Brady, will likely start at Kansas City if the game is played in the coming days. An adjustment will be required as Newton’s multi-dimensional style allowed coordinator Josh McDaniels to craft game plans around the quarterback’s prowess as a runner, a key factor in New England leading the league in rushing.
Meanwhile, the contingencies involving the Titans – who on Saturday had one player and two staff members test positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to nine players and nine staff members to test positive since Sept. 24 -- underscore the big-picture risk for the league. The Titans-Steelers matchup was pushed back to Week 8, which was originally scheduled as Tennessee’s bye week. The Steelers’ game against Baltimore was moved to Week 7, to accommodate the Titans-Steelers contest.
That may have been an easy fix and there are more gaps that can be filled by the bye weeks on the calendar. But there’s clearly a limit. The league can’t have many more revisions if it expects to have a full season with each team playing 16 games.
Until this week, the NFL has avoided disruptions caused by the coronavirus, which in large part was likely a result of stringent pandemic protocols and daily testing.
As the past few days have shown, even the most stringent safeguards can be penetrated by COVID-19, which may be only beginning to inflict its most serious wrath on the NFL’s 2020 season.


usatoday--2020-10-03--Your questions about Trump and COVID-19, answered: Who gave Trump coronavirus? What is the Regeneron

President Donald Trump was at the hospital Saturday after announcing that he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19 .
Trump flew to Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda , Maryland , on Marine One on Friday evening after experiencing fever and fatigue .
Officials said they expected him to be there for a few days .
The diagnosis raises many questions about how long the president has been infected , who else may have been exposed , how the diagnosis will impact the impending election and what happens next .
What do you want to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Submit your questions via this form and we will continue to answer your questions here .
Do we know how long Trump has had COVID-19 ?
Does he have symptoms ?
White House physician Sean Conley said in a press briefing Saturday morning that Trump was `` 72 hours into the diagnosis now . ''
But Conley later issued a statement saying that he meant `` day three . ''
Trump experienced a mild cough , nasal congestion and fatigue from COVID-19 on Thursday , but his symptoms were improving Saturday and doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in the breing .
`` Thursday afternoon , following the news of a close contact is when we repeated testing , and given kind of clinical indications I had a little bit more concern , and that ’ s when – late that night – we got the PCR confirmation that he was , '' Conley said , referring to a molecular diagnostic test .
Doctors said Saturday the president had been fever free for over 24 hours , had received an antibody therapy 48 hours ago and was on a five-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first lady Melania have symptoms ?
The first lady was `` doing great '' and `` has no indication for hospitalization , advanced therapy , '' Conley said Saturday morning .
Melania Trump did not go to the hospital with her husband , her chief of staff , Stephanie Grisham , confirmed to USA TODAY .
`` She ’ s still at the White House , she ’ s doing well , '' Grisham said in an email Friday .
It 's unclear when Trump was exposed to the coronavirus and where , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time his aide , Hope Hicks , was also exposed .
It was announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 and was symptomatic on Thursday .
She appears to have been diagnosed Wednesday evening when she flew with the president to Minnesota .
See the timeline of Trump 's travels leading up to his positive COVID-19 test .
Several people in Trump 's orbit have also tested positive .
Tests have come back positive for Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel , Utah Sen. Mike Lee , North Carolina Sen. Thom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three White House reporters , one White House staffer , former White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway , and Bill Stepien , Trump ’ s campaign manager .
Tests have come back negative from Vice President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen ; Ivanka Trump and her husband , Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner ; Barron Trump , the 14-year-old son of the president and first lady ; Eric Trump , Trump 's third child and an executive of the Trump Organization ; and Lara Trump , Trump 's daughter-in-law , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 updates , listen to the latest 5 Things podcast What is the mysterious Regeneron 'cocktail ' ?
White House physician Sean Conley said in a memo Friday afternoon that the president received a single 8-gram dose of Regeneron 's polyclonal antibody cocktail as a precautionary measure .
The antibody cocktail is being studied in four late-stage clinical trials and its safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority , the company said on its page .
The president also has been taking zinc , vitamin D , famotidine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conley said .
Conley said the first lady was experiencing only a `` mild cough and headache . ''
In an 18-second video posted to Twitter Friday evening , Trump addressed the nation and said he was `` doing very well . ''
`` I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support .
I ’ m going to Walter Reed Hospital .
I think I 'm doing very well , but we ’ re going to make sure that things work out .
The first lady is doing very well , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I will never forget it .
Thank you . ''
Live updates on Trump and COVID-19 : Doctor to give update on Trump 's health ; many infected at White House gathering Conley said Friday that Trump was undergoing therapy with the drug remdesivir , which has been authorized for COVID-19 patients by the Food and Drug Administration under an emergency use declaration .
Trials showed effectiveness under some circumstances .
`` He has completed his first dose and is resting comfortably , '' Conley wrote of Trump in the update released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been less controversial than hydroxychloroquine , a drug that Trump has repeatedly touted as a treatment for COVID-19 despite warnings about its effectiveness .
Remdesivir received a guarded endorsement from Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health , when it was announced as a new tool in the fight against the virus at the president 's press conference on April 29 .
Trump 's condition was 'very concerning ' over past day , source says , as White House says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the woods ' : Biden 's negative test does n't mean he ca n't be positive in coming days 'The likely outcome ' : Trump 's COVID diagnosis followed waning precautions at the White House Running list : Who close to the White House is being tested and their results How secure is the president 's suite at Walter Reed ?
How is it adapted to COVID ?
Conley said in a memo Friday morning that the president and first lady planned to `` remain at home within the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and his team would `` maintain a vigilant watch . ''
But hours later , Trump was going to the hospital in what aides said was a precautionary move .
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is the nation 's premier health care center for troops and senior government officials .
It 's Ward 71 consists of six patient rooms , one of which is in the Presidential Suite .
The suite is intended for use by General officers and cabinet level government officials .
Asked Saturday morning how the suite has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conely said that `` it 's the same as any hospital . ''
`` We have an area that ’ s clean that you put your equipment on , and then beyond that everyone is fully gowned up , masks , gloves , for protecting ourselves and him , '' he said .
First lady Melania Trump was treated at Walter Reed for a kidney condition in 2018 .
The president made an unexpected visit to the hospital in November 2019 .
The president 's annual physical usually is announced in advance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not in this case .
Who administered the test and when can we see the official test results ?
Conley confirmed the positive test result in a memo released by the White House shortly after the president 's tweet .
Conley said both were `` well at this time . ''
Conley has served as Trump 's physician since 2018 .
He came into the spotlight in May when he approved of the president taking hydroxychloroquine .
At the time , Conley said `` the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than one type of test , as there can be false positives ?
It was not immediately clear how many tests were administered , or what kinds of tests .
`` I 'm not going to get into exactly what type of test , '' Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Friday afternoon in a brief interaction with reporters .
Diagnostic tests are not fault-proof .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine , for example , tested positive for COVID-19 in August using a rapid test , but two molecular tests taken later that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How often has Trump been tested ?
Asked this same question at the Saturday press briefing , Conley said , `` I 'm not going to get into all the testing going back , but he and all the staff routinely are tested . ''
During a May press briefing , Trump said he had been receiving `` on average a test every two days , three days . ''
Earlier that same day , McEneny said Trump was tested `` multiple times a day . ''
In addition , people coming into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House are supposed to be tested .
That includes his aides , staffers and military and the Secret Service agents who protect him .
But experts say Trump and his administration could have done more : Mandate masks at the White House , hold fewer large gatherings and use technology to allow staff to meet remotely .
Several White House aides have tested positive in the past , including a top spokeswoman to Vice President Mike Pence and a Navy valet who was in the same room as the president on the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House , Congress does not have a standardized COVID-19 testing program .
How soon into the disease progression do you know if you 're going to have a severe or mild case ?
Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
But about 40 % of people who are exposed to COVID-19 do n't have any symptoms at all .
In some cases , older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions may take longer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the CDC .
Among patients who developed severe disease , it is about five to eight days from the onset of illness or symptoms to difficulty breathing , according to the CDC .
The median time to acute respiratory distress syndrome ranges from eight to 12 days , and the median time to ICU admission ranges from 10 to 12 days .
Some patients have rapidly deteriorated one week after illness onset , the CDC said .
`` The first week of COVID – and in particular days 7 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining the likely course of his illness , '' Conley said Saturday .
What is the minimum amount of days that Trump is obligated to quarantine ?
The president is in isolation , not quarantine .
`` Isolation '' separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick .
`` Quarantine '' separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick .
The CDC recommends that people who have had COVID-19 can be around other people again if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications , and other symptoms are improving .
'Falling off the cliff ’ : Experts say Trump ’ s quick move to hospital could be sign of serious COVID illness Will this impact Trump 's shot at reelection ?
Trump is expected to have to remain in quarantine until he is no longer contagious , which could take him off the campaign between now and Election Day in 32 days .
Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , and the revelation of his positive result raised questions about his ability to hold rallies , fundraisers and participate in presidential debates scheduled later this month .
The president has tried to keep voters ' attention away from the COVID-19 pandemic , which has killed more than 200,000 people in the U.S .
Polls consistently show voters think Biden is better equipped to handle the outbreak .
The looming fight over the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court offered a perfect opportunity for Trump to fire up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had nothing to do with the virus and its economic fallout .
But Trump 's test result is likely to rob him of the ability to focus the nation 's attention on that fight .
How concerned should we be for Joe Biden ’ s health considering he just spent 90 minutes on a stage debating the president ?
Former Vice President Joe Biden has tested negative for COVID-19 , but that does n't mean he 's in the clear .
A negative test only means someone is n't shedding much virus at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything about what may be brewing in the person 's body .
Trump presumably tested negative on Tuesday , the day of his debate with Biden , which reduces the chance the president passed the virus on to his political opponent .
But even if he tested negative in the morning , it 's still possible he was contagious by the time of the evening debate .
The virus comes on quickly , and is most infectious during the day or two before symptoms appear , and a day or two after someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most people do n't test positive in the first day or two after exposure .
Both men did not wear masks during the 90-minute televised event , often shouting or speaking in loud voices , which is known to spread more viral particles .
What happens if Trump ca n't perform his duties ?
Presidential succession is spelled out in the Constitution .
Under the 25th Amendment , the president could notify House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and the Senate majority 's senior member , Sen. Charles Grassley , R-Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , transferring power to Vice President Mike Pence until the president indicates that he is able to return .
The provision has only been invoked three times since the amendment 's ratification in 1967 , creating a legal mechanism for designating a head of state when the president is disabled .
It was used briefly when Ronald Reagan underwent surgery in 1985 and similarly when George W. Bush was under anesthesia in 2002 and 2007 .
Could the Supreme Court nomination announcement have been a spreader event ?
President Donald Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact with dozens – if not hundreds – of other people while potentially infectious with COVID-19 , a USA TODAY analysis shows .
So far , at least four other people who have come in contact with Trump in recent days have tested positive for COVID-19 , including first lady Melania Trump , Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel , GOP Sen. Mike Lee of Utah , and the Rev .
John Jenkins , the president of Notre Dame University .
Three of those four people attended a White House event Saturday at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Amy Coney Barrett .
Videos and photos of that event , which was held outside in the Rose Garden , show more than 180 people in attendance , with only about 50 wearing masks and few practicing social distancing .
Lee tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday , two days after meeting with Barrett .
Lee is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee , which plans to hold confirmation hearings with Barrett beginning Oct. 12 .
Judge Barrett tested negative for COVID-19 , according to White House spokesperson Judd Deere .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump on Saturday , he said .
On Thursday , Trump traveled to New Jersey for campaign events .
The events in New Jersey were closed to the press , but GOP fundraiser John Sette attended the events and estimated about 300 people attended .
New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy issued a statement Friday morning saying that the contact-tracing process is underway and urging anyone who attended Trump 's events in Bedminster to take full precautions , including self-quarantining and getting tested .

Your questions about Trump and COVID-19, answered: Who gave Trump coronavirus? What is the Regeneron antibody 'cocktail'?
Show Caption Hide Caption President Donald Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis: You asked, we answered USA TODAY breaking news reporter Grace Hauck answers some of your biggest questions after President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump was at the hospital Sunday after announcing he and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19.
Trump flew to Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Marine One on Friday evening after experiencing fever and fatigue. Officials said they expected him to be there for a few days.
The diagnosis raises many questions about how long the president has been infected, who else may have been exposed, how the diagnosis will influence the election and what happens next.
What do you want to know about Trump's positive coronavirus test? Submit your questions via this form and we will continue to answer your questions here.
At what point is Trump considered not contagious?
- From Twitter
While the duration of infectiousness for COVID-19 has yet to be confirmed, scientists believe that people with mild to moderate COVID-19 may shed the virus for up to 10 days after symptoms first appear, according to the CDC.
It’s still unclear what day the president first began experiencing symptoms as mixed messaging from the White House continues to muddle the timeline. Trump first announced his diagnosis on Twitter early Friday morning but made no mention of symptoms.
It wasn’t until later that morning when White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters the president was experiencing “mild symptoms.” On Saturday, White House physician Sean Conley disclosed on the record for the first time that the president had a fever.
Why isn't Mike Pence in quarantine after being exposed?
- From Twitter
According to CDC guidelines, a person who has come in close contact with an individual who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days regardless of a positive or negative test result.
Vice President Mike Pence is suspected to have been in close contact with the president while he was infectious. The vice president tested negative for COVID-19 three times since Trump's diagnosis and has made multiple public appearances while the President recovers in the hospital.
Experts wonder why someone in Pence's situation is not under isolation to reduce both his risk of exposure and the vulnerability of the Trump White House, as per CDC guidelines.
“We have the president and first lady ill and the country is in a vulnerable situation,” former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told USA TODAY on Friday. “We have to be very prepared to deal with the possibility that an adversary will seek to take advantage.”
The White House and national security agencies must move quickly to ensure the chain of command is secure and the military is prepared to respond without delay to provocation or attack, said Panetta, who also served as Chief of Staff to President Bill Clinton.
Do we know how long Trump has had COVID-19? Does he have symptoms?
– Spencer from Cedar City, Utah
White House physician Sean Conley said in a press briefing Saturday morning that Trump was "72 hours into the diagnosis now." But Conley later issued a statement saying that he meant "day three."
Trump experienced a mild cough, nasal congestion and fatigue from COVID-19 on Thursday, but his symptoms were improving Saturday and doctors were "cautiously optimistic," Conley said in the breing.
"Thursday afternoon, following the news of a close contact is when we repeated testing, and given kind of clinical indications I had a little bit more concern, and that’s when – late that night – we got the PCR confirmation that he was," Conley said, referring to a molecular diagnostic test.
Doctors said Saturday the president had been fever free for over 24 hours, had received an antibody therapy 48 hours ago and was on a five-day course of the drug remdesivir.
Where Trump traveled the week before testing positive for COVID-19 President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. Here's a look at where he traveled the week before his diagnosis. USA TODAY
Does first lady Melania have symptoms?
– L from Las Vegas
The first lady was "doing great" and "has no indication for hospitalization, advanced therapy," Conley said Saturday morning.
Melania Trump did not go to the hospital with her husband, her chief of staff, Stephanie Grisham, confirmed to USA TODAY.
"She’s still at the White House, she’s doing well," Grisham said in an email Friday.
Who gave Trump COVID-19?
– McCalister from Shereveport, Louisiana
It's unclear when Trump was exposed to the coronavirus and where, but he was likely exposed around the same time his aide, Hope Hicks, was also exposed. It was announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 and was symptomatic on Thursday. She appears to have been diagnosed Wednesday evening when she flew with the president to Minnesota.
See the timeline of Trump's travels leading up to his positive COVID-19 test.
Several people in Trump's orbit have also tested positive. Tests have come back positive for Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, three White House reporters, one White House staffer, former White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, and Bill Stepien, Trump’s campaign manager.
Tests have come back negative from Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen; Ivanka Trump and her husband, Trump senior adviser Jared Kushner; Barron Trump, the 14-year-old son of the president and first lady; Eric Trump, Trump's third child and an executive of the Trump Organization; and Lara Trump, Trump's daughter-in-law, according to their spokespeople.
For more Trump COVID-19 updates, listen to the latest 5 Things podcast
What is the mysterious Regeneron 'cocktail'?
– Jackie from Green Bay, Wisconsin
White House physician Sean Conley said in a memo Friday afternoon that the president received a single 8-gram dose of Regeneron's polyclonal antibody cocktail as a precautionary measure. The antibody cocktail is being studied in four late-stage clinical trials and its safety and efficacy have not been fully evaluated by any regulatory authority, the company said on its page.
The president also has been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin, Conley said.
Conley said the first lady was experiencing only a "mild cough and headache."
In an 18-second video posted to Twitter Friday evening, Trump addressed the nation and said he was "doing very well."
"I want to thank everybody for the tremendous support. I’m going to Walter Reed Hospital. I think I'm doing very well, but we’re going to make sure that things work out. The first lady is doing very well," he said. "I appreciate it. I will never forget it. Thank you."
Live updates on Trump and COVID-19: Doctor to give update on Trump's health; many infected at White House gathering
Is Trump taking hydroxychloroquine?Remdesivir?
– Don from Pioneer, California
Conley said Friday that Trump was undergoing therapy with the drug remdesivir, which has been authorized for COVID-19 patients by the Food and Drug Administration under an emergency use declaration. Trials showed effectiveness under some circumstances.
"He has completed his first dose and is resting comfortably," Conley wrote of Trump in the update released through the White House.
Remdesivir has been less controversial than hydroxychloroquine, a drug that Trump has repeatedly touted as a treatment for COVID-19 despite warnings about its effectiveness.
Remdesivir received a guarded endorsement from Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, when it was announced as a new tool in the fight against the virus at the president's press conference on April 29.
More reading on President Trump's diagnosis
Trump's condition was 'very concerning' over past day, source says, as White House says president is doing 'very well'
'Not completely out of the woods': Biden's negative test doesn't mean he can't be positive in coming days
'The likely outcome': Trump's COVID diagnosis followed waning precautions at the White House
Running list: Who close to the White House is being tested and their results
How secure is the president's suite at Walter Reed? How is it adapted to COVID?
– Rick of Austin, Texas
Conley said in a memo Friday morning that the president and first lady planned to "remain at home within the White House during their convalescence," writing that he and his team would "maintain a vigilant watch." But hours later, Trump was going to the hospital in what aides said was a precautionary move.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is the nation's premier health care center for troops and senior government officials. It's Ward 71 consists of six patient rooms, one of which is in the Presidential Suite. The suite is intended for use by high-level officers and Cabinet-level government officials.
Asked Saturday morning how the suite has been outfitted amid the coronavirus pandemic, Conely said that "it's the same as any hospital."
"We have an area that’s clean that you put your equipment on, and then beyond that everyone is fully gowned up, masks, gloves, for protecting ourselves and him," he said.
Melania Trump was treated at Walter Reed for a kidney condition in 2018. The president made an unexpected visit to the hospital in November 2019. The president's annual physical usually is announced in advance to avoid speculation about his health but was not in that case.
Trump heads to Walter Reed: The hospital for presidents, war heroes, Supreme Court justices
Who administered the test and when can we see the official test results?
– Elsie of Salina, Kansas
Conley confirmed the positive test result in a memo released by the White House shortly after the president's tweet. Conley said both were "well at this time."
Conley has been Trump's physician since 2018. He came into the spotlight in May when he approved of the president taking hydroxychloroquine. At the time, Conley said "the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks."
Was Trump tested with more than one type of test, as there can be false positives?
– April from Cleveland, Ohio
It was not immediately clear how many tests were administered, or what kinds of tests.
"I'm not going to get into exactly what type of test," Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Friday afternoon in a brief interaction with reporters.
Diagnostic tests are not fault-proof. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, for example, tested positive for COVID-19 in August using a rapid test, but two molecular tests taken later that day ultimately found DeWine was negative.
How often has Trump been tested?
– M from Buffalo, New York
Asked this same question at the press briefing Saturday, Conley said, "I'm not going to get into all the testing going back, but he and all the staff routinely are tested."
During a press briefing in May, Trump said he had been receiving "on average a test every two days, three days."
Earlier that same day, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who announced Monday that she also had tested positive for the coronavirus, said Trump was tested "multiple times a day."
In addition, people coming into contact with the president at the White House are supposed to be tested. That includes his aides, staffers and military and the Secret Service agents who protect him.
But experts say Trump and his administration could have done more: Mandate masks at the White House, hold fewer large gatherings and use technology to allow staff to meet remotely.
Several White House aides have tested positive in the past, including a top spokeswoman to Vice President Mike Pence and a Navy valet who was in the same room as the president on the day the person began experiencing symptoms.
Unlike the White House, Congress does not have a standardized COVID-19 testing program.
President Donald Trump, first lady test positive for coronavirus President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19 and "will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately." USA TODAY
How soon into the disease progression do you know if you're going to have a severe or mild case?
– Peggy from Scottsdale, AZ
Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But about 40% of people who are exposed to COVID-19 don't have any symptoms at all.
In some cases, older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions may take longer than others to develop fever and other symptoms, according to the CDC.
Among patients who developed severe disease, it is about five to eight days from the onset of illness or symptoms to difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. The median time to acute respiratory distress syndrome ranges from eight to 12 days, and the median time to ICU admission ranges from 10 to 12 days.
Some patients have rapidly deteriorated one week after illness onset, the CDC said.
"The first week of COVID – and in particular days 7 to 10 – are the most critical in determining the likely course of his illness," Conley said Saturday.
What is the minimum amount of days Trump is obligated to quarantine?
– Tim of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The president is in isolation, not quarantine. "Isolation" separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. "Quarantine" separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
The CDC recommends that people who have had COVID-19 can be around other people again if they meet three criteria: It has been 10 days since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, and other symptoms are improving.
'Falling off the cliff’: Experts say Trump’s quick move to hospital could be sign of serious COVID illness
Will his illness affect Trump's shot at reelection?
– Anna of Washington, D.C.
Trump is expected to have to remain in quarantine until he is no longer contagious, which could take him off the campaign between now and Election Day in 32 days.
Trump had already canceled a rally in Florida on Friday, and the revelation of his positive result raised questions about his ability to hold rallies, fundraisers and participate in presidential debates scheduled this month.
The president has tried to keep voters' attention away from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 people in the U.S. Polls consistently show voters believe Biden is better-equipped to handle the outbreak.
The looming fight over the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court offered a perfect opportunity for Trump to fire up his supporters and donors over something that had nothing to do with the virus and its economic fallout. But Trump's test result is likely to rob him of the ability to focus the nation's attention on that fight.
How concerned should we be for Joe Biden’s health considering he just spent 90 minutes on a stage debating the president?
– Laura from Yardley, Pennsylvania
Former Vice President Joe Biden has tested negative for COVID-19, but that doesn't mean he's in the clear. A negative test only means someone isn't shedding much virus at that moment. It doesn't say anything about what may be brewing in the person's body.
Trump presumably tested negative on Tuesday, the day of his debate with Biden, which reduces the chance the president passed the virus on to his political opponent. But even if he tested negative in the morning, it's still possible he was contagious by the time of the evening debate.
The virus comes on quickly, and is most infectious during the day or two before symptoms appear, and a day or two after someone feels sick, if they ever do. Most people don't test positive in the first day or two after exposure.
Both men did not wear masks during the 90-minute televised event, often shouting or speaking in loud voices, which is known to spread more viral particles.
What happens if Trump can't perform his duties?
– Sam of Rochester Hills, Michigan
Presidential succession is spelled out in the Constitution.
Under the 25th Amendment, the president could notify House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and the Senate majority's senior member, Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, that he is unable to function, transferring power to the vice president until the president indicates he is able to return.
The provision has been invoked only three times since the amendment's ratification in 1967, creating a legal mechanism for designating a head of state when the president is disabled. It was used briefly when Ronald Reagan had surgery in 1985 and similarly when George W. Bush was under anesthesia in 2002 and 2007.
Could the Supreme Court nomination announcement have been a spreader event?
– Sydney from Philadelphia
*** Answer was updated on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 8:15 a.m. EDT
President Donald Trump and his adviser Hope Hicks have been in close contact with dozens – if not hundreds – of other people while potentially infectious with COVID-19, a USA TODAY analysis shows.
So far, at more than a dozen other people who have come in contact with Trump in recent days have tested positive for COVID-19, including several who attended at a White House event at which Trump announced Amy Coney Barrett as his nominee for Supreme Court.
Judge Barrett tested negative for COVID-19, according to White House spokesperson Judd Deere. Barrett had tested positive for COVID this summer and has since recovered.
Those in Trump's orbit who have tested positive include first lady Melania Trump, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, GOP Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, and the Rev. John Jenkins, the president of Notre Dame University. Campaign manager Bill Stepien, former White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway, GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, the Rev. John Jenkins, the president of Notre Dame University, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and a White House reporter also have tested positive.
Videos and photos of the Rose Garden event, which was held outside, show more than 180 people in attendance, with only about 50 wearing masks and few practicing social distancing.
On Thursday, Trump traveled to New Jersey for campaign events. The events in New Jersey were closed to the press, but GOP fundraiser John Sette attended the events and estimated about 300 people attended.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statement Friday morning saying that the contact-tracing process is underway and urging anyone who attended Trump's events in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested.
Contributing: Chris Woodyard, Nicholas Wu, Sean Rossman, John Fritze, Elizabeth Weise and Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-03--Fifty years after the Wichita State football team's plane crash, survivors remember teammates who di

Almost every day , Dave Lewis walks out onto his back deck , gingerly , because his left leg remains a medical textbook after six surgeries and four total knee replacements .
Lewis lives in Overland Park , Kansas , about six miles south of Interstate 70 .
He ’ ll gaze in the direction of I-70 , which stretches west through 420 miles of Kansas , then to Denver .
And beyond .
Lewis takes a list with him onto the deck .
A list of the 31 people killed in the Wichita State football plane crash on Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I honor their memory every day , ” Lewis said .
“ I look up there and think of them.
” Lewis could have been on the list .
Rusty Featherstone , a retired Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent , was Lewis ’ teammate with those 1970 Wheatshockers .
They are among the survivors who have spent half a century honoring the memory of those who died .
“ We had friends we were losing in Vietnam , but nobody expected a bunch of guys to go play a Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Featherstone said .
It ’ s been 50 years since the Shockers departed for Logan , Utah , and a game against Utah State .
Fifty years since one of the planes took the traditional route from Denver after a fuel stop , and the other plane took a scenic route .
The scenery ended in the canyon of Mount Trelease , above where the Eisenhower Tunnel was being constructed around I-70 , 60 miles west of Denver .
For 50 years , Featherstone has remembered not just the names and faces , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces .
He still breaks down when talking about his friends who never made it to Logan .
“ I could talk for hours about my memories , ” Featherstone said .
“ Guys we lost who didn ’ t get to live their lives .
Not only were they just great young men , friendly to everyone , and amazing athletes , they also were too young to die while they had so much to offer.
” Featherstone grew up in Oklahoma with Johnny Duren , who played wide receiver for WSU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school , he was “ a superstar , ” Featherstone said .
“ Class president .
National Honor Society member.
” As Wichita State sophomores , both had made the starting lineup the week of the Utah State game .
The Shockers traveled in two planes .
The starters generally flew on the gold plane , but Featherstone mistakenly was still assigned to the black plane for the trip .
When the planes stopped for fuel in Denver , the players stretched their legs on the tarmac .
Duren told Featherstone there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane .
But Featherstone was winning a hot and heavy game of spades ; he wanted to see it through .
“ I stayed where I was , ” Featherstone said .
“ That was the last time I saw Johnny.
” 'He knew something was wrong' Lewis was on the gold plane .
He was a defensive end from Duncan , Oklahoma , and had NFL aspirations .
Lewis and Donnie Christian had been best friends in Duncan .
“ Donnie was the strongest guy I ever met , ” Lewis said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All the girls loved him .
He was a good guy .
There was never a cross word said between us.
” Lewis was sitting in the back of the gold plane , having migrated there in hopes he might entice a flight attendant to sit by him .
Christian sat two rows ahead of Lewis .
When the plane entered the canyon , and the Rocky Mountains suddenly loomed near , and the pilot started banking , desperately trying to buy time , Christian looked back at Lewis .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Nine people survived the crash .
Lewis said all the dead were wearing seat belts .
They were thrown with their seats .
Lewis ’ seat belt was off .
He was thrown onto a pile of mangled mess .
Lewis ’ leg was so badly damaged , his foot was hanging sideways .
He started throwing up blood .
Years later , Lewis learned that teammate Mike Bruce , another survivor , pushed him through a hole to exit the hell of the crash .
Lewis was lying on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clothes were gone , shorn off by the trees .
Like everyone else , he was cut and burned .
Some of the survivors started down the mountain , seeking help .
Lewis , wearing only a necktie and still in shock , tried to scoot down .
Miners building the tunnel had seen the crash and were headed up to help .
Lewis doesn ’ t know how far he got before those miners found him .
Lewis and teammate Glenn Kostal were placed in a miner ’ s shack so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone .
“ I asked Glenn , ‘ You think it works ?
Let ’ s just try it , ' '' Lewis said .
So Lewis called his mother in Duncan .
She answered , and her son explained what had happened .
His mother turned hysterical , crying and yelling .
She also asked a question .
For 50 years , those Shockers have assembled in October to commemorate the lives lost .
They met again Friday on the Wichita State campus , more than 30 strong , along with dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survivors .
“ We always thought the 50th would be the biggest ” reunion , Featherstone said .
“ But of course , nobody planned on COVID .
“ We [ reminisce ] to remember and honor our friends and to renew our relationships with each other .
While we mourn those we lost that day , we also focus on those who survived the crash .
All of these people were changed forever , but we have stayed very close all these years.
” Many of the 1970 Shockers have traveled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making the difficult climb to shed tears , leave mementos , offer prayers .
Dave Lewis dug up a small pine tree and replanted it in his Overland Park yard .
This might be the end of the official Wichita State survivor gatherings .
They are getting older .
Some have died .
Some are in poor health .
They know that at some point , the memorials and memories will burn only in their souls .
“ They are still greatly missed to this day , ” Featherstone said .
Berry Tramel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ btramel @ oklahoman.com .

Fifty years after the Wichita State football team's plane crash, survivors remember teammates who died
Almost every day, Dave Lewis walks out onto his back deck, gingerly, because his left leg remains a medical textbook after six surgeries and four total knee replacements.
Lewis lives in Overland Park, Kansas, about six miles south of Interstate 70. He’ll gaze in the direction of I-70, which stretches west through 420 miles of Kansas, then to Denver. And beyond.
Lewis takes a list with him onto the deck. A list of the 31 people killed in the Wichita State football plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970. Fifty years ago.
“I honor their memory every day,” Lewis said. “I look up there and think of them.”
Lewis could have been on the list.
Rusty Featherstone, a retired Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agent, was Lewis’ teammate with those 1970 Wheatshockers. They are among the survivors who have spent half a century honoring the memory of those who died.
“We had friends we were losing in Vietnam, but nobody expected a bunch of guys to go play a Saturday afternoon football game not arriving,” Featherstone said.
The gold and black planes
It’s been 50 years since the Shockers departed for Logan, Utah, and a game against Utah State. Fifty years since one of the planes took the traditional route from Denver after a fuel stop, and the other plane took a scenic route.
The scenery ended in the canyon of Mount Trelease, above where the Eisenhower Tunnel was being constructed around I-70, 60 miles west of Denver.
For 50 years, Featherstone has remembered not just the names and faces, but the spirit behind those names and faces. He still breaks down when talking about his friends who never made it to Logan.
“I could talk for hours about my memories,” Featherstone said. “Guys we lost who didn’t get to live their lives. Not only were they just great young men, friendly to everyone, and amazing athletes, they also were too young to die while they had so much to offer.”
Featherstone grew up in Oklahoma with Johnny Duren, who played wide receiver for WSU. By the time Duren graduated from high school, he was “a superstar,” Featherstone said. “Class president. National Honor Society member.”
As Wichita State sophomores, both had made the starting lineup the week of the Utah State game. The Shockers traveled in two planes. The starters generally flew on the gold plane, but Featherstone mistakenly was still assigned to the black plane for the trip.
When the planes stopped for fuel in Denver, the players stretched their legs on the tarmac. Duren told Featherstone there was an empty seat on the gold plane. But Featherstone was winning a hot and heavy game of spades; he wanted to see it through.
“I stayed where I was,” Featherstone said. “That was the last time I saw Johnny.”
'He knew something was wrong'
Lewis was on the gold plane. He was a defensive end from Duncan, Oklahoma, and had NFL aspirations. Lewis and Donnie Christian had been best friends in Duncan.
“Donnie was the strongest guy I ever met,” Lewis said. “He was a chick magnet. All the girls loved him. He was a good guy. There was never a cross word said between us.”
Lewis was sitting in the back of the gold plane, having migrated there in hopes he might entice a flight attendant to sit by him. Christian sat two rows ahead of Lewis. When the plane entered the canyon, and the Rocky Mountains suddenly loomed near, and the pilot started banking, desperately trying to buy time, Christian looked back at Lewis.
“He knew something was wrong,” Lewis said.
Nine people survived the crash. Lewis said all the dead were wearing seat belts. They were thrown with their seats. Lewis’ seat belt was off. He was thrown onto a pile of mangled mess.
Lewis’ leg was so badly damaged, his foot was hanging sideways. He started throwing up blood. Years later, Lewis learned that teammate Mike Bruce, another survivor, pushed him through a hole to exit the hell of the crash. Lewis was lying on the ground when he realized all of his clothes were gone, shorn off by the trees. Like everyone else, he was cut and burned.
Some of the survivors started down the mountain, seeking help. Lewis, wearing only a necktie and still in shock, tried to scoot down. Miners building the tunnel had seen the crash and were headed up to help. Lewis doesn’t know how far he got before those miners found him.
Lewis and teammate Glenn Kostal were placed in a miner’s shack so they could lie down. They noticed a phone.
“I asked Glenn, ‘You think it works? Let’s just try it,'" Lewis said.
So Lewis called his mother in Duncan. She answered, and her son explained what had happened. His mother turned hysterical, crying and yelling. She also asked a question.
“What about Donnie?”
Team '70
For 50 years, those Shockers have assembled in October to commemorate the lives lost. They met again Friday on the Wichita State campus, more than 30 strong, along with dozens of friends and family of victims and survivors.
“We always thought the 50th would be the biggest” reunion, Featherstone said. “But of course, nobody planned on COVID.
“We [reminisce] to remember and honor our friends and to renew our relationships with each other. While we mourn those we lost that day, we also focus on those who survived the crash. All of these people were changed forever, but we have stayed very close all these years.”
Many of the 1970 Shockers have traveled to the crash site over the years, making the difficult climb to shed tears, leave mementos, offer prayers.
Dave Lewis dug up a small pine tree and replanted it in his Overland Park yard.
This might be the end of the official Wichita State survivor gatherings. They are getting older. Some have died. Some are in poor health. They know that at some point, the memorials and memories will burn only in their souls.
Team '70, those Shockers call their fallen teammates.
“They are still greatly missed to this day,” Featherstone said.
Berry Tramel can be reached at 405-760-8080 or at btramel@oklahoman.com.


usatoday--2020-10-03--Jennifer Aniston loves these Sweaty Betty leggings—and they're half off right now

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Move over , Lululemon—there ’ s a new legging brand taking over our closets !
Not only does Sweaty Betty have the official seal of approval from none other than Jennifer Aniston , the company 's wide selection of fun , bright bottoms just so happen to be half off on the site right now .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zero Gravity leggings , in particular , which are currently discounted by 50 % for the retailer ’ s big Mid-Season Sale , were hailed as being a “ must-have ” by the Friends alum in a September 2019 interview with InStyle .
`` I 'm loving Varley and [ Sweaty Betty ] Zero Gravity leggings and Outdoor Voices sports bras , ” she told the publication .
She ’ s not the only one who ’ s been singing their praises .
These bum-sculpting pants have plenty of positive ratings from shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their lightweight feel , sweat-wicking properties and “ excellent support.
” Crafted in Italy from a stretchy polyamide and elastane blend , they can be machine washed and have a slimming effect to boot .
`` I have a bulging belly and find it hard to find leggings that do n't roll down and stay put during high intensity workouts , '' wrote one happy buyer .
`` The Zero gravity leggings are made with incredibly lightweight material , and [ have ] a high compression to keep everything in place and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can jump around [ and ] squat with no problem .
Reviewed ’ s own apparel expert , Jamie Ueda , can also vouch for the brand : She loves the company ’ s buttery-soft Super Sculpt high-waisted 7/8 yoga leggings , which have also fallen by 50 % during this sale from $ 108 to $ 54 in the Argyle Purple Maryle hue , for workout classes .
Looking for other fitness apparel ?
This 4-star rated Zero Gravity running tank is the perfect match to the Aniston-approved Zero Gravity leggings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them for as little as $ 22 in the Fluro Flash leopard print .
That ’ s a whopping 71 % off the initial $ 75 price tag , making for an even greater discount than is even being advertised on the site !
There 's no telling how long this sale will last , so we highly recommend stocking up on your favorites at up to 70 % off while you still can—if it 's good enough for Jennifer Aniston , it 's good enough for us !
Get the Sweaty Betty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 64 ( Save $ 39 to $ 64 ) Get the Sweaty Betty Super Sculpt High-Waisted 7/8 Yoga Leggings from $ 54 ( Save $ 54 ) The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Jennifer Aniston loves these Sweaty Betty leggings—and they're half off right now
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Move over, Lululemon—there’s a new legging brand taking over our closets! Not only does Sweaty Betty have the official seal of approval from none other than Jennifer Aniston, the company's wide selection of fun, bright bottoms just so happen to be half off on the site right now.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The British retailer's Zero Gravity leggings, in particular, which are currently discounted by 50% for the retailer’s big Mid-Season Sale, were hailed as being a “must-have” by the Friends alum in a September 2019 interview with InStyle. "I'm loving Varley and [Sweaty Betty] Zero Gravity leggings and Outdoor Voices sports bras,” she told the publication.
She’s not the only one who’s been singing their praises. These bum-sculpting pants have plenty of positive ratings from shoppers on the site, who adore them for their lightweight feel, sweat-wicking properties and “excellent support.” Crafted in Italy from a stretchy polyamide and elastane blend, they can be machine washed and have a slimming effect to boot.
"I have a bulging belly and find it hard to find leggings that don't roll down and stay put during high intensity workouts," wrote one happy buyer. "The Zero gravity leggings are made with incredibly lightweight material, and [have] a high compression to keep everything in place and make your butt look peachy. I can jump around [and] squat with no problem.
Reviewed’s own apparel expert, Jamie Ueda, can also vouch for the brand: She loves the company’s buttery-soft Super Sculpt high-waisted 7/8 yoga leggings, which have also fallen by 50% during this sale from $108 to $54 in the Argyle Purple Maryle hue, for workout classes.
Looking for other fitness apparel? This 4-star rated Zero Gravity running tank is the perfect match to the Aniston-approved Zero Gravity leggings, and right now, you can get them for as little as $22 in the Fluro Flash leopard print. That’s a whopping 71% off the initial $75 price tag, making for an even greater discount than is even being advertised on the site!
There's no telling how long this sale will last, so we highly recommend stocking up on your favorites at up to 70% off while you still can—if it's good enough for Jennifer Aniston, it's good enough for us!
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-10-04--President Donald Trump says he's 'starting to feel good' as he fights COVID-19

President Donald Trump says he 's 'starting to feel good ' as he fights COVID-19 President Donald Trump thanked Walter @ @ @ @ @ staff and even cracked a joke about his age as he fights COVID-19 .

President Donald Trump delivers health update as he fights COVID-19
President Donald Trump thanked Walter Reed National Military Medical Center staff and even cracked a joke about his age as he fights COVID-19.
USA TODAY Handout


usatoday--2020-10-03--Pelosi 'optimistic' of a stimulus deal, saying Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis 'changes the dynamic'

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday she was `` optimistic '' about the chances of a deal on COVID-19 stimulus , arguing in a television interview President Donald Trump 's positive COVID-19 diagnosis `` changes the dynamic . ''
`` I think we ’ re coming to terms in terms of the money on crushing the virus finally , but it ’ s the language that is important , '' she said in an interview with MSNBC .
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have resumed negotiations as both sides crawl toward an agreement to restore urgently needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone on Friday for about an hour and `` discussed areas of disagreement , '' spokesperson Drew Hammill said .
Pelosi was tested for COVID-19 `` out of an abundance of caution '' after Trump and White House adviser Hope Hicks tested positive , and Pelosi tested negative later Friday , according to Hammill .
In a letter to House Democrats , Pelosi said , `` Our negotiations with the Administration continue , and I am hopeful that we can reach agreement . ''
She outlined the remaining sticking points in negotiations : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Walter Reed National Medical Center , where he 's being treated after contracting COVID-19 .
`` OUR GREAT USA WANTS & NEEDS STIMULUS .
WORK TOGETHER AND GET IT DONE .
Thank you ! ''
he wrote in a tweet .
The Democratic-held House of Representatives voted along mostly party lines Thursday evening to pass a revised COVID-19 relief bill opposed by the Republican-controlled Senate .
More : 'Super spreader events ' ?
Trump and Hicks may have exposed dozens of others to COVID-19 in recent days The proposal , a pared-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Democrats in May , would allot $ 2.2 trillion in relief funds .
Republican senators have balked at a higher price tag for more relief .
House Democrats acknowledged the proposal was unlikely to become law , but viewed the bill as another marker in the ongoing negotiations .
The negotiations come as many of the benefits previously approved by Congress have already run out .
The $ 600 federal boost to unemployment benefits ran out in July , a loan forgiveness program for small businesses expired , and airlines have warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billions of dollars in federal payroll assistance expired on Oct. 1 .
Pelosi called on the airlines to halt their furlough and layoffs Friday , saying in a statement the House would either pass a stand-alone bill on airline relief or include airline assistance in a larger COVID-19 relief package .
`` As relief for airline workers is being advanced , the airline industry must delay these devastating job cuts , '' she said .
More : Trump , several others test positive for COVID : A running list of everyone being tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic about a deal .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , speaking at a news conference in Kentucky , said `` we 're closer to getting an outcome . ''
`` You 've seen the back and forth between the House and the Trump administration and I 'm trying to figure out here whether I should predict another bill quickly or not , but the talks have speeded up in the last couple of days , '' he said .
`` I think we 're closer to getting an outcome . ''

Pelosi 'optimistic' of a stimulus deal, saying Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis 'changes the dynamic'
WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday she was "optimistic" about the chances of a deal on COVID-19 stimulus, arguing in a television interview President Donald Trump's positive COVID-19 diagnosis "changes the dynamic."
"I think we’re coming to terms in terms of the money on crushing the virus finally, but it’s the language that is important," she said in an interview with MSNBC.
Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have resumed negotiations as both sides crawl toward an agreement to restore urgently needed aid. The two spoke again by phone on Friday for about an hour and "discussed areas of disagreement," spokesperson Drew Hammill said.
Pelosi was tested for COVID-19 "out of an abundance of caution" after Trump and White House adviser Hope Hicks tested positive, and Pelosi tested negative later Friday, according to Hammill.
In a letter to House Democrats, Pelosi said, "Our negotiations with the Administration continue, and I am hopeful that we can reach agreement."
She outlined the remaining sticking points in negotiations:
Unemployment insurance.
Funding for schools, states, and local government.
Child tax credits.
Testing & tracing funds.
Appropriations for Democratic priorities like transit.
Trump pushed for a deal Saturday while at Walter Reed National Medical Center, where he's being treated after contracting COVID-19.
"OUR GREAT USA WANTS & NEEDS STIMULUS. WORK TOGETHER AND GET IT DONE. Thank you!" he wrote in a tweet.
The Democratic-held House of Representatives voted along mostly party lines Thursday evening to pass a revised COVID-19 relief bill opposed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
More: 'Super spreader events'? Trump and Hicks may have exposed dozens of others to COVID-19 in recent days
The proposal, a pared-down version of the Heroes Act passed by House Democrats in May, would allot $2.2 trillion in relief funds. Republican senators have balked at a higher price tag for more relief. House Democrats acknowledged the proposal was unlikely to become law, but viewed the bill as another marker in the ongoing negotiations.
The negotiations come as many of the benefits previously approved by Congress have already run out. The $600 federal boost to unemployment benefits ran out in July, a loan forgiveness program for small businesses expired, and airlines have warned of mass layoffs and furloughs after their billions of dollars in federal payroll assistance expired on Oct. 1.
Pelosi called on the airlines to halt their furlough and layoffs Friday, saying in a statement the House would either pass a stand-alone bill on airline relief or include airline assistance in a larger COVID-19 relief package.
"As relief for airline workers is being advanced, the airline industry must delay these devastating job cuts," she said.
More: Trump, several others test positive for COVID: A running list of everyone being tested and their results
More: Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis postpones campaign events; Biden tests negative: live updates
Republicans also seemed more optimistic about a deal.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, speaking at a news conference in Kentucky, said "we're closer to getting an outcome."
"You've seen the back and forth between the House and the Trump administration and I'm trying to figure out here whether I should predict another bill quickly or not, but the talks have speeded up in the last couple of days," he said. "I think we're closer to getting an outcome."
Contributing: Christal Hayes


usatoday--2020-10-03--You Asked, We Answered: What to know about President Donald Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis

You Asked , We Answered : What to know about President Donald Trump 's COVID-19 diagnosis USA TODAY breaking news @ @ @ @ @ of your biggest questions after President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19 .

President Donald Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis: You asked, we answered
USA TODAY breaking news reporter Grace Hauck answers some of your biggest questions after President Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-03--Dr. Sean Conley did not answer several questions regarding Trump receiving oxygen

Dr. Sean Conley did not answer several questions regarding Trump receiving oxygen President Trump 's doctor said Trump is not @ @ @ @ @ would not say whether he ever received oxygen since his COVID-19 diagnosis .

COVID-19: Trump's doctor avoids questions on oxygen
President Trump's doctor said Trump is not currently on oxygen, but would not say whether he ever received oxygen since his COVID-19 diagnosis.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-03--Democratic Senate candidate Cal Cunningham admits he sent sexual messages to woman who is not his wi

North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham admitted to sending sexual text messages to a woman who is not his wife but said he will not drop out of the race against incumbent GOP Sen. Thom Tillis .
Screenshots of the intimate messages between Cunningham and Arlene Guzman Todd , a California public relations strategist , were first revealed by NationalFile.com .
In these messages , Guzman Todd tells the Democratic candidate to `` Get away for a night soon .
The longer we wait the crazier fall schedules will get . ''
Cunningham responds , `` Sounds wonderful – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Very badly . ''
More : Election 2020 : When early voting and mail voting for president begins in every state Cunningham also texted Guzman Todd that it `` would make my day to roll over and kiss you about now . ''
Another text shows Guzman Todd tell Cunningham , `` the only thing I want on my to do list is you , '' to which Cunningham replies , `` Sounds so hot and so fun ! ''
Cunningham apologized Friday in a statement , saying , `` I have hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am deeply sorry .
The first step in repairing those relationships is taking complete responsibility , which I do . ''
It ’ s unclear when the messages were sent , however , in one of the screenshots Cunningham says that he ’ s `` nervous about the next 100 days , '' potentially referring to the Senate election on Nov. 3 , which would mean that message was likely sent sometime in late July .
More : President Trump , first lady test positive for coronavirus days after first debate The Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two , as is Guzman Todd , according to National File .
Despite the release of those messages , Cunningham has said he will remain in the race .
`` I remain grateful and humbled by this ongoing support that North Carolinians have extended in this campaign , and in the reaming weeks before this election I will continue to work to earn the opportunity to fight for the people of out state , '' Cunningham said in a statement .
More : Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opponent , Republican Sen. Thom Tillis , confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19 .
Most polls show Cunningham leading Tillis , including a CBS News/YouGov poll from Sept. 22-25 that showed 48 % of likely voters said they plan to cast their ballots for Cunningham , while 38 % support Tillis .

Democratic Senate candidate Cal Cunningham admits he sent sexual messages to woman who is not his wife
Show Caption Hide Caption Election 2020 Facts: What is mail-in voting? People have been voting by mail in the U.S. for close to a hundred years, but it's never been as big an issue as it is in the 2020 election. This is the start of a five-part animation series by The Associated Press, Election 2020 Facts (Sept. 21) AP
North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate Cal Cunningham admitted to sending sexual text messages to a woman who is not his wife but said he will not drop out of the race against incumbent GOP Sen. Thom Tillis.
Screenshots of the intimate messages between Cunningham and Arlene Guzman Todd, a California public relations strategist, were first revealed by NationalFile.com.
In these messages, Guzman Todd tells the Democratic candidate to "Get away for a night soon. The longer we wait the crazier fall schedules will get." Cunningham responds, "Sounds wonderful – I want that too!!! Very badly."
More: Election 2020: When early voting and mail voting for president begins in every state
Cunningham also texted Guzman Todd that it "would make my day to roll over and kiss you about now."
Another text shows Guzman Todd tell Cunningham, "the only thing I want on my to do list is you," to which Cunningham replies, "Sounds so hot and so fun!"
Cunningham apologized Friday in a statement, saying, "I have hurt my family. Disappointed my friends and am deeply sorry. The first step in repairing those relationships is taking complete responsibility, which I do."
It’s unclear when the messages were sent, however, in one of the screenshots Cunningham says that he’s "nervous about the next 100 days," potentially referring to the Senate election on Nov. 3, which would mean that message was likely sent sometime in late July.
More: President Trump, first lady test positive for coronavirus days after first debate
The Senate candidate is married and a father of two, as is Guzman Todd, according to National File.
Despite the release of those messages, Cunningham has said he will remain in the race.
"I remain grateful and humbled by this ongoing support that North Carolinians have extended in this campaign, and in the reaming weeks before this election I will continue to work to earn the opportunity to fight for the people of out state," Cunningham said in a statement.
More: Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19?
Cunningham’s apology comes hours after his opponent, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19.
Most polls show Cunningham leading Tillis, including a CBS News/YouGov poll from Sept. 22-25 that showed 48% of likely voters said they plan to cast their ballots for Cunningham, while 38% support Tillis.


usatoday--2020-10-03--Future of presidential debates unclear after Trump tests positive; Trump family largely ignored mask

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump 's positive test for COVID-19 Friday morning raised major uncertainty about whether the second presidential debate , a town hall format set for Miami on Oct. 15 , would move forward as planned .
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone who tests positive for the virus to avoid contact with others for 10 days after symptoms first appeared and until fever symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours .
Trump , who aides say has exhibited `` mild symptoms , '' announced his positive test in the early morning Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president enough time to follow safety protocols before the next debate is scheduled if he quickly recovers .
Representatives of the Commission on Presidential Debates did not respond to requests to comment about the future of the debates .
The CDC also recommends any individual exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus stay at home for 14 days .
Democratic nominee Joe Biden shared the debate stage with Trump for 90 minutes , but the two avoided the customary handshakes beforehand because of coronavirus safety measures .
Biden and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative for COVID-19 , the couple 's doctor , Kevin O'Connor , announced in a statement Friday .
Biden went ahead with a campaign event at Grand Rapids , Michigan on Friday afternoon , wearing a mask throughout as he gave his usual campaign pitch about the economy and adding jobs .
Speaking to a local television station in western Michigan , Biden said he would be open to additional safety rules .
`` I understand the debate commission is debating – no pun intended – rule changes , ” Biden said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fine by me . ''
More : 'We continue to pray ' : Joe Biden offers thoughts , prayers to President Trump for speedy recovery after coronavirus test Fox News reporter Chris Wallace , who moderated the first presidential debate in Cleveland , said in an interview Friday on his network that the Trump family members who watched the debate in-person did not wear masks as they were instructed .
Wallace said the rules called for everybody except for Trump , Biden and the moderator to wear face masks .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinic came up to the family when they were seated and offered them masks in case they did n't have them `` and they were waved away . ''
`` And people in the hall noticed that they were n't wearing masks and everybody else in the hall was wearing a mask , '' Wallace said .
`` When the debate ended , Mrs. Trump came over , walked past me , she was not wearing a mask .
Mrs. Biden walked past me to her husband and she was wearing a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way the two families and their camps treated the health safety regulations inside the hall . ''
Wallace , 72 , said he plans to get tested for COVID-19 and that this wife and four children who were also in attendance likely would as well .
Unlike past presidential debates , which attract crowds of around 900 people , the audience Tuesday was limited to around 70 people who are required to wear masks and were tested for COVID-19 beforehand , according to the Commission on Presidential Debates .
The debate between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee Sen. Kamala Harris remains set for Oct. 7 in Salt Lake City .
Pence and Harris both tested negative for the virus .
The Trump campaign said they are open to safety changes for the vice presidential debate .
“ We are open to more space between the candidates , which we will be happy to discuss , '' Tim Murtaugh , the Trump campaign 's communications director , said .
`` This is a seated debate , so it ’ s just a matter of moving farther apart at the table.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Utah , host of the vice presidential debate , said the university remains `` ready to host a successful and safe vice presidential debate . ''
He deferred questions about additional health and safety protocols to the Commission on Presidential Debates .
The third and final presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville , Tenn .
Photos from Tuesday 's debate show Trump 's children Eric Trump , Ivanka Trump , Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the audience not wearing masks .
They are near Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seen wearing a mask .
Perez tested negative for COVID-19 .
One of Biden 's granddaughters , Naomi Biden , remarked on Twitter about the lack of masks from the Trump family as the debate began .
`` Why is the Trump family allowed to not wear masks in the debate hall while everyone else follows the rules ? ''
she tweeted .
Trump has argued for weeks that the nation had `` turned the corner '' on COVID-19 and has held several campaign rallies where hundreds of spectators close together without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worn masks in public and refrained from wearing masks publicly at all for months .
During Tuesday 's debate , Trump made fun of Biden for wearing face masks too often .
Biden wears a mask before speaking at campaign events .
`` I think masks are okay .
You have to understand , if you look .
I mean , I have a mask right here , '' Trump said , pulling a mask out of his suit pocket .
`` I put a mask on when I think I need it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everybody ’ s had a test and you ’ ve had social distancing and all of the things that you have to , but I wear masks . ''
Directed toward Biden , Trump said : `` I don ’ t wear a mask like him .
Every time you see him , he ’ s got a mask .
He could be speaking 200 feet away from him and he shows up with the biggest mask I ’ ve ever seen . ''
The presidential debates are already under more scrutiny than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chaotic first debate in which both candidates routinely interrupted each other – the bulk of those interruptions coming from Trump – and Wallace struggled to maintain control .
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced this week changes would be implemented for the next debates including `` additional tools to maintain order . ''

Joey Garrison and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

Future of presidential debates unclear after Trump tests positive; Trump family largely ignored mask rules Tuesday
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump mocks Joe Biden for wearing masks all the time President Trump chastised Joe Biden for regularly wearing a face mask during the first presidential debate. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's positive test for COVID-19 Friday morning raised major uncertainty about whether the second presidential debate, a town hall format set for Miami on Oct. 15, would move forward as planned.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone who tests positive for the virus to avoid contact with others for 10 days after symptoms first appeared and until fever symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours.
Trump, who aides say has exhibited "mild symptoms," announced his positive test in the early morning Friday, Oct. 2, which seemingly gives the president enough time to follow safety protocols before the next debate is scheduled if he quickly recovers.
Representatives of the Commission on Presidential Debates did not respond to requests to comment about the future of the debates.
The CDC also recommends any individual exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus stay at home for 14 days. Democratic nominee Joe Biden shared the debate stage with Trump for 90 minutes, but the two avoided the customary handshakes beforehand because of coronavirus safety measures.
Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, tested negative for COVID-19, the couple's doctor, Kevin O'Connor, announced in a statement Friday. Biden went ahead with a campaign event at Grand Rapids, Michigan on Friday afternoon, wearing a mask throughout as he gave his usual campaign pitch about the economy and adding jobs.
Speaking to a local television station in western Michigan, Biden said he would be open to additional safety rules.
"I understand the debate commission is debating – no pun intended – rule changes,” Biden said. "My view is whatever they decide is fine by me."
More: 'We continue to pray': Joe Biden offers thoughts, prayers to President Trump for speedy recovery after coronavirus test
Fox News reporter Chris Wallace, who moderated the first presidential debate in Cleveland, said in an interview Friday on his network that the Trump family members who watched the debate in-person did not wear masks as they were instructed.
Wallace said the rules called for everybody except for Trump, Biden and the moderator to wear face masks. He said a safety personnel member from the Cleveland Clinic came up to the family when they were seated and offered them masks in case they didn't have them "and they were waved away."
"And people in the hall noticed that they weren't wearing masks and everybody else in the hall was wearing a mask," Wallace said. "When the debate ended, Mrs. Trump came over, walked past me, she was not wearing a mask. Mrs. Biden walked past me to her husband and she was wearing a mask. So there was a difference in the way the two families and their camps treated the health safety regulations inside the hall."
Wallace, 72, said he plans to get tested for COVID-19 and that this wife and four children who were also in attendance likely would as well.
Unlike past presidential debates, which attract crowds of around 900 people, the audience Tuesday was limited to around 70 people who are required to wear masks and were tested for COVID-19 beforehand, according to the Commission on Presidential Debates.
The debate between Vice President Mike Pence and vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris remains set for Oct. 7 in Salt Lake City. Pence and Harris both tested negative for the virus. The Trump campaign said they are open to safety changes for the vice presidential debate.
“We are open to more space between the candidates, which we will be happy to discuss," Tim Murtaugh, the Trump campaign's communications director, said. "This is a seated debate, so it’s just a matter of moving farther apart at the table.”
Chris Nelson, communications director for the University of Utah, host of the vice presidential debate, said the university remains "ready to host a successful and safe vice presidential debate." He deferred questions about additional health and safety protocols to the Commission on Presidential Debates.
The third and final presidential debate is scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tenn.
Photos from Tuesday's debate show Trump's children Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the audience not wearing masks. They are near Democratic National Committee chairman Tom Perez, who is seen wearing a mask. Perez tested negative for COVID-19.
One of Biden's granddaughters, Naomi Biden, remarked on Twitter about the lack of masks from the Trump family as the debate began.
"Why is the Trump family allowed to not wear masks in the debate hall while everyone else follows the rules?" she tweeted.
Why is the Trump family allowed to not wear masks in the debate hall while everyone else follows the rules? — Naomi Biden (@NaomiBiden) September 30, 2020
Trump has argued for weeks that the nation had "turned the corner" on COVID-19 and has held several campaign rallies where hundreds of spectators close together without many wearing masks. Trump has occasionally worn masks in public and refrained from wearing masks publicly at all for months.
During Tuesday's debate, Trump made fun of Biden for wearing face masks too often. Biden wears a mask before speaking at campaign events.
"I think masks are okay. You have to understand, if you look. I mean, I have a mask right here," Trump said, pulling a mask out of his suit pocket. "I put a mask on when I think I need it. Tonight, as an example, everybody’s had a test and you’ve had social distancing and all of the things that you have to, but I wear masks."
Directed toward Biden, Trump said: "I don’t wear a mask like him. Every time you see him, he’s got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from him and he shows up with the biggest mask I’ve ever seen."
The presidential debates are already under more scrutiny than at any time in U.S. history following a chaotic first debate in which both candidates routinely interrupted each other – the bulk of those interruptions coming from Trump – and Wallace struggled to maintain control.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced this week changes would be implemented for the next debates including "additional tools to maintain order."
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.