Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is putting politics aside and advising Americans to stay safe following President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis.
During a Michigan campaign event on Friday, Biden wished Trump and his wife Melania well while giving Americans advice on how they can learn from it.
“I’m sending my prayers for the health and safety of the first lady and president of the United States after they tested positive for COVID-19,” Biden said.
He added, “My wife Jill and I prayed that they’ll make a quick and full recovery. This is not a matter of politics. It’s a bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously. It’s not going away automatically. We have to do our part to be responsible.”
Watch his comments below:
"This is not a matter of politics. It's a bracing reminder to all of us that we have to take this virus seriously. It's not going away automatically. We have to do our part to be responsible," Joe Biden says at Michigan campaign event. pic.twitter.com/yKBwJzvRxV
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) October 2, 2020
Biden encouraged people to follow the science, listen to the experts, wash their hands, practice social distancing, wear masks, and encourage others to do so.
He also mentioned implementing mask “mandates nationwide.”
Both Biden and his wife tested negative for the coronavirus on Friday, as IJR previously reported.
“Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden underwent PCR testing for COVID-19 today and COVID-19 was not detected,” Dr. Kevin O’Connor said in a statement.
“I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID,” Biden said on Twitter.
He added, “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.”
Biden was tested just days after his first presidential debate with Trump.
The former vice president will launch door-to-door canvassing across battleground states this weekend, as IJR previously reported.
Several hundred volunteers will head out to Nevada, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania.
“We’re now expanding on our strategy in a targeted way that puts the safety of communities first and foremost and helps us mobilize voters who are harder to reach by phone now that we’re in the final stretch — and now that Americans are fully dialed-in and ready to make their voices heard,” Biden campaign manager Jenn O’Malley Dillon said.
