What We’re Reading: Trump Permitted to Attend Events; Long-term Symptoms in Pregnant Women; Record Low Pandemic Response Approval

Trump Permitted to Attend Public Events

President Donald Trump’s White House physician Sean Conley said the president is able to make a safe return to public events on Saturday, less than 2 weeks after the president tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) late on October 1, The Hill reports. According to the CDC, individuals should only resume interactions with others 10 days after symptom onset. Conley said Saturday marks day 10 since the president’s diagnosis and that the president had completed his therapy for COVID-19. As Trump received treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for 2 days, some health experts question Conley’s assessment, noting some patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms may be infectious for longer than 10 days.

Study Highlights Long-term COVID-19 Symptoms in Pregnant Women

Although most pregnant women with COVID-19 experience a mild form of the disease, many exhibit prolonged symptoms lasting weeks after infection, CIDRAP reports. A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology followed nearly 600 pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy and reported symptoms at the time of testing. After 3 weeks, 48% of participants were still symptomatic, and symptoms persisted for 8 weeks or longer in 25% of the women. However, 60% of participants reported no symptoms after 4 weeks. Of the 594 women included in the study, 27 were hospitalized and 11 were admitted to intensive care units.

Poll Shows Record Low Approval of Trump’s Pandemic Response

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted after the president tested positive for COVID-19, showed just 37% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the pandemic, compared with 59% of respondents who disapproved. The net approval rating of –22 percentage points marks the lowest in the poll, which dates back to March 2. Over the last 10 days, approval ratings have steadily declined, coinciding with the president’s diagnosis and return to work in the White House. In comparison, Trump’s rating on pandemic response was –11 percentage points in a previous poll taken from September 30 through October 1.