Pence tests negative for COVID-19 for third time since Trump’s diagnosis

Vice President Pence and second lady Karen Pence both tested negative for COVID-19 on Sunday, a White House official said, the third consecutive day of negative tests for both since President Trump tested positive for the virus.

Pence is tested for the virus daily, but his health has become even more critical as Trump remains at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center undergoing treatment for his COVID-19 infection. The vice president has been working from home since Friday, when Trump publicized his positive test result.

White House doctors confirmed Sunday that Trump’s oxygen levels dropped and that he required supplemental oxygen on Friday. He has also received an experimental antibody injection and has been given remdesivir along with a steroid for treatment. The latter two are typically administered for mild or severe cases of the virus.

Pence’s doctor said Friday that the vice president does not have to quarantine and is not considered a close contact of any individuals who have tested positive. But Pence was in the front row of a large audience last Saturday in the Rose Garden for Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

Since then, several attendees have tested positive, including Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Mike Lee (R-Utah) and former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway. Lee was seated in the row directly behind Pence for the outdoor event.

Pence also attended a Rose Garden event with Trump on Monday, though he used a separate lectern. The two men were on the road much of the rest of the week and were not seen interacting in person.

Despite concerns about Trump’s health and continuity of government, the vice president is expected to return to the campaign trail later this week. Pence will be in Utah on Wednesday for the vice presidential debate, and he is slated to hold a campaign rally in Arizona on Thursday.