Trump says to begin quarantine process while awaiting COVID-19 test result

US President Donald Trump said Thursday night that he and his wife, Melania, will begin "quarantine process" while awaiting COVID-19 test results after a close aide contracted the virus.

In a Tweet, Trump first confirmed that White House counselor Hope Hicks had tested positive for COVID-19.

"Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for Covid 19," the president wrote. "Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!"

Hicks, the closest aide to Trump to have tested positive for the virus, traveled with Trump multiple times this week, including aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter, for a rally in Minnesota on Wednesday, and aboard Air Force One to Tuesday night's first 2020 presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio.

"I just went out with a test. First lady just went out with a test also. Whether we quarantine or whether we have it, I don't know," Trump said in an interview with Fox News Thursday night. "I'll get my test back either tonight or first thing tomorrow morning."

The president also acknowledged that it was difficult for him and those close to him to avoid the virus since many people, including members of the military, try to interact with them.

"It's very hard when you're with soldiers, when you are with airmen, when you're with the marines, and the police officers, I'm with them so much. And when they come over to you, it's hard to say, 'stay back, stay back.' You know, it's a tough kind of a situation, it's a terrible thing," he said.

In addition to Hicks, multiple White House officials, including Trump's national security adviser Robert O'Brien, and staffers have also tested positive for COVID-19.