Trump Back In Oval Office As Doctor Says His Vitals Remain Stable

A U.S. Marine stands watch outside the doors of the White House West Wing on Wednesday. According to the White House, President Trump was in the Oval Office Wednesday afternoon, even as he continues to be monitored for COVID-19.

By Ayesha Rascoe

October 07, 2020

President Trump returned to the Oval Office on Wednesday for the first time since he was hospitalized last week, the White House confirmed.

It is unclear exactly what preventative measures are being taken to prevent further spread of the virus in the White House complex. Already more than a dozen close aides and associates of the president have tested positive for the coronavirus.

White House official Ben Williamson said on Twitter that the administration was taking steps to make sure it was safe for Trump to work out of the Oval Office instead of the residence.

Trump was briefed on the economic stimulus negotiations and Hurricane Delta, according to White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern.

Trump tweeted that he's talked to the governors of Texas and Louisiana about preparations for the hurricane.

Since Trump announced that he tested positive for the coronavirus late last week, the White House has tried to make the case that Trump is still on the job, despite his diagnosis. They released pictures of him signing papers and on the phone while he was at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump's physician, Dr. Sean Conley, released a memo on Wednesday stating that Trump has been fever-free for more than four days and that his vital signs remain stable and in a normal range. Conley also said that Trump has been symptom-free for more than 24 hours.

Trump has needed supplemental oxygen on at least two occasions since contracting the virus. But, Conley said Trump has not needed any oxygen since his initial hospitalization.

Conley's memo also said it was "of note" that the president's labs on Monday detected antibodies that were not detected Thursday night. But Trump received an antibody treatment on Friday. The maker of that treatment, Regeneron, said in a statement that it is "likely" the test is detecting antibodies from the therapy rather than "self-made" antibodies. In other words, the results are not necessarily an indication of whether or not the president has developed immunity in a way that would clear the infection.

The White House has provided only short written updates from Trump's doctor over the past two days; the medical team held briefings from Walter Reed over the weekend. Conley has not provided information on the state of Trump's lungs or the last time he tested negative for the coronavirus, and other relevant details about Trump's care.

NPR health policy reporter Selena Simmons-Duffin contributed to this report.