Former Vice President Joe Biden and wife test negative for coronavirus

Following a reveal of positive COVID-19 tests by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden revealed on Friday morning that he and his wife, Jill, have both tested negative for the virus.

Late Thursday night, Trump tweeted out the news that his most recent test result was positive after Hope Hicks, one of the president’s top aides with whom he had traveled in recent days, tested positive for the virus.

It has been only a few days since Biden and a small team from his party were in the same room as President Trump. While both parties agreed to avoid the ceremonious handshakes at the start and end of the debate, and podiums were set well apart from one another, there is still a risk that spreading of the virus took place.

I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 2, 2020

With the second presidential election debate set to take place in less than two weeks, and a month between now and Election Day, Biden’s recent negative test has served up another opportunity to remind folks to practice safety when in public, and to wear masks.

“Wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands,” said Biden in his tweet.