Trump and his wife test positive for coronavirus 13:12
(CNN) -
President Donald Trump announced early Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19.
His announcement came just hours after news that Hope Hicks, one of the president's closest advisers, also tested positive.
Hicks had traveled with Trump several times recently and was seen this week with several other aides to the president, none of whom wore face masks.
"This is very concerning," said Anne Rimoin, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA.
"The number of people who could potentially be exposed and at risk of contracting this virus is significant here."
There are many questions about the future, including who else may have been exposed to the virus and what the president and first lady will need to do now.
This is what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says should happen when someone tests positive for the virus or is exposed to an infected person.
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This should be done by those diagnosed with covid-19
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 should be isolated, according to the CDC guidance updated in August.
Those who are isolated should stay home, unless they need medical attention, and monitor their symptoms, according to the agency.
According to a statement from Trump's doctor, both the president and the first lady plan to remain in the White House while they recover while a medical team watches them "closely."
Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley said he hopes Trump "will continue to carry out his duties without interruption while he recovers."
According to the CDC, infected people should separate themselves from others and stay in a room separate from other household members, if possible, and use a separate bathroom.
"Do not share personal household items like cups, towels and utensils," says the agency.
"Wear a mask around other people, if you can."
Those infected should wear masks that cover their nose and mouth when around other people, the CDC said.
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When can they come out of isolation?
The CDC recommends that people who test positive for COVID-19 should remain in isolation for at least 10 days after the first symptoms appeared and after at least 24 hours without fever without the help of medications.
Symptoms should also improve before people come out of isolation, the CDC said.
For those who tested positive but showed no symptoms, the agency said they can be close to others after 10 days from their last positive test for COVID-19.
People who are severely immunosuppressed, according to the CDC, may require testing before interacting with other people.
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Who could have been exposed?
According to the CDC, an infected person can spread the virus starting 48 hours before the person has any symptoms or a positive test.
"By informing your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone," the agency said.
The CDC says that close contacts can include:
Anyone who was within two meters of an infected person for at least 15 minutes
Anyone who cared for someone who was infected or had direct physical contact, such as hugging or kissing
Anyone who shared eating or drinking utensils has received respiratory droplets from an infected person through something like a sneeze or cough.
What to do if you are exposed to covid-19
People who had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after the last time they were exposed to that person, the CDC says.
People do not have to self-quarantine for two weeks if they have been infected in the previous three months and recovered without persistent symptoms, the agency said.
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