President Trump and First Lady test positive for coronavirus

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The president took to Twitter to announce that he and his wife will begin their quarantine and recovery process immediately.

"Tonight, FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!" Trump tweeted.

A statement from the White House physician said that the president will remain home and continue to carry out his duties.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has wished the US President Donald Trump and his wife a "speed recovery".

Earlier, one of the president's closest aides, Hope Hicks, tested positive for Covid-19. Following this, Trump tweeted that he and the first lady were tested for the virus and were waiting on the results.

Speaking to Fox News' Sean Hannity on Thursday evening, Trump confirmed that Hicks "did test positive for COVID-19" and said he and his wife had "both gotten tested for the virus after the news broke."

"Whether we quarantine or whether we have it, I don't know," Trump said.

"We'll see what happens. Who knows," he said, adding "I spend a lot of time with Hope. So does the First Lady."

For months, President Trump has downplayed the threat of the virus. Trump has discouraged the effectiveness of the mask publicly. Criticizing Joe Biden's on using mask publicly, Trump said that "I don't wear masks like him. Every time you see him, he's got a mask. He could be speaking 200 feet away from them and he shows up with the biggest mask I've ever seen."

At Trump's rallies, large crowds have gathered, with many opting against wearing the widely recommended face masks.