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Trump's doctor refuses to provide details of coronavirus-infected president's lung scans

‘Don’t be afraid of Covid,' president tells Americans in tweet announcing his self-discharge from Walter Reed

John T. Bennett
Washington Bureau Chief
Monday 05 October 2020 20:54 BST
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White House chief of staff Mark Meadows responds to Trump's hospital drive by

Donald Trump’s military physician declined to provide any details on aspects of the coronavirus-infect president’s health, including results of chest scans and when he had his last negative test.

'I'm not at liberty to discuss': Dr Sean Conley told reporters, sidestepping questions on whether the president is still contagious. He said privacy laws that protect every patient’s privacy prevent him from disclosing information.

Dr Conley also refused to say when the president’s last positive Covid-19 test occurred and struggled to tell reporters how they could ensure his safety and those of White House employees and aides once he is back there. 

The physician and other members of his medical team also were unable or unwilling to clearly answer questions about other of his vital signs and test results.

On Sunday, Dr Conley was more open about the president’s lung tests, saying he expected some findings from them. A day later, he cited privacy laws.

The team briefed reporters at Walter Reed hospital minutes after the president appeared to discharge himself.

In a tweet, Trump announced he will leave the hospital where he has been treated for coronavirus on Monday evening and return to the White House, telling Americans “don’t be afraid of Covid.”

“Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life. We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!” the president tweeted.

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