Pence 'does not need to quarantine' despite White House visit, doctor says

VP scheduled to debate Kamala Harris on 7 October

Mike Pence's physician says the vice president "does not need to quarantine" and is scheduled to participate in next week's debate with Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

The vice president received a negative coronavirus test result on Friday, according to his press secretary, following Donald Trump's announcement that he and First Lady Melania Trump had tested positive for Covid-19.

Under Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, “the vice president is not considered a close contact with any individuals who have tested positive” for Covid-19, according to a statement from Dr Jesse T Schonau.

"Vice President Mike Pence does not need to quarantine,” he said. “Vice President Mike Pence remains in good health and is free to go about his normal activities.”

The CDC recommends people who were within 6 feet of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 for 15 minutes or longer should remain at home for 14 days from the point of last contact.

His statement suggests that Mr Pence has not been in close contact with any administration official or staff who has also been in close contact with the president, First Lady or senior aide Hope Hicks, who all tested positive for the disease.

Mr Pence attended a coronavirus briefing at the White House Rose Garden on Monday and reportedly met with the president on Tuesday, two days before the president revealed a positive diagnosis, which would put him within the threshold for quarantine, according to CDC guidelines.

He is scheduled to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah on Monday ahead of his debate on Wednesday against his Democratic opponent.

Mr Pence, who was tapped to lead the White House Coronavirus Task Force at the onset of the outbreak, attended an event at the White House on Saturday, when the president announced his US Supreme Court nominee.

Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel and Senator Mike Lee also attended the event. Both tested positive.

Senator Lee was seated behind the vice president.