This browser does not support the Video element.
President Trump throws hats into crowd at Duluth rally day before positive COVID-19 diagnosis
U.S. President Donald Trump was filmed on Sept. 30 throwing hats to supporters in Duluth, Minnesota, a day before declaring on Twitter he had tested positive for coronavirus. Video credit Brendan Gutenschwager via Storyful
DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Health issued a statement Friday about the public health response following President Donald Trump and others testing positive for COVID-19 after visiting Minnesota Wednesday.
The president attended a fundraiser in Shorewood Wednesday afternoon before holding a campaign rally in Duluth. A source with direct knowledge of the fundraising event told FOX 9 a small group of about 50 people were in attendance. Everyone was tested 2 hours prior at an off-site location, determined negative, and driven to the fundraiser in a private escort vehicle.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Here’s what to do if you attended Trump’s Minnesota campaign events
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a statement Friday about the public health response following President Donald Trump and others testing positive for COVID-19 after visiting Minnesota Wednesday.
Prominent members of Minnesota’s Republican Party also greeted Trump on the tarmac at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and several flew to the rally with him on Air Force One.
MDH said there is a risk that people may have contracted COVID-19 at the Duluth rally and other events associated with the president’s visit. State health officials said community transmission was already high in St. Louis County prior to Wednesday’s rally and people attending the rally may have been infectious without realizing it.
This browser does not support the Video element.
After debate, President Trump takes aim at Biden during rally in Duluth
President Trump once again took aim at Joe Biden, as he rallied in Duluth, Minnesota, 24 hours after a contentious presidential debate.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
MDH offered the following guidance for people who attended events associated with the president’s visit Wednesday:
Anyone who attended events associated with the president’s visit and now have symptoms: Get tested right away
Anyone who attended events associated with the president’s visit, but do NOT have symptoms: Still consider getting tested.
MDH is recommending people get tested even if they do not have symptoms because some people may not develop or recognize symptoms and people can spread the virus even without displaying symptoms. People should get tested five to seven days after the event. If they test negative, they should get tested again around 12 days after the event.
Anyone who was in direct contact with President Trump or known COVID-19 cases: Quarantine for 14 days and get tested. MDH says a 14-day quarantine is necessary regardless of test results.
Anyone who attended any large group gathering, especially one with limited social distancing and/or masking: Be alert to potential symptoms of COVID-19 infection and limit social interactions for 14 days, even if you do not feel sick.
WHERE TO GET TESTED
MDH says people should get tested in their home communities and seek testing from their health care provider when possible.
You can find the testing site nearest you here.
If you are in the Duluth area and wish to get tested, there is a testing site set up at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
There will also be seven community testing sites set up around the state next week, according to MDH. Testing at these sites is free and you do not need insurance or identification. The locations for those sites are as follows:
- Cloquet - Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Gym
- Ely - St. Louis County Ely Garage
- Fairmont - Fairmont Armory
- Inver Grove Heights - Inver Grove Heights Armory
- Northfield - Emmaus Church
- St. Joseph - Clemens Field House, College of Saint Benedict
- Willmar - Willmar Armory
- Minneapolis - New Salem Baptist Church