Coronavirus: Journalist turned away after reporters undergo 'temperature test' before White House briefing

New protocols intended to protect occupant of Oval Office

At least one journalist seeking to attend a briefing with Donald Trump about coronavirus was deemed “too hot” after the White House introduced protocols to protect the president and his deputy.

Ahead of a briefing from vice president Mike Pence and the coronavirus task force – one Mr Trump also attended – the White House announced anyone who would be in close contact with the president would be required to have their temperature checked.

The idea was to try and limit the threat to the president and his deputy, amid concerns he had been in contact with people who later tested positive for the disease.

The president, who was seen shaking hands with officials who attended a briefing on Friday, had said he will “likely” get tested himself. (It later emerged he got tested on Friday night.)

A representative from the White House physician’s office took the temperature of members of the media who were at the White House on Saturday, going around to each person and putting the device to their heads.

Read more

A reporter with a suspected elevated temperature was not allowed into the briefing room for a news conference with Mr Trump and Mr Pence about the outbreak.

White House correspondent April Ryan, of Urban Radio Networks, tweeted: “Breaking: A reporter with a temperature declared too high was escorted out of the White House after. temp check.”

Public health officials say that individuals with a cough and elevated temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher are deemed concerning.

Mr Pence’s spokeswoman, Katie Miller, tweeted that according to the White House Medical Unit, the temperature was taken three times over a 15 minute period and all three registered above the 1004. guidelines.

Mr Trump and Mr Pence attended an afternoon news conference at the White House, and Mr Trump said he had his own temperature taken before speaking to reporters.

“It was totally normal,” Mr Trump said. “If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have been here. ”

He also said he had been tested for coronavirus and was awaiting the results

Additional reporting by Associated Press