Southern New Englanders react to Trump COVID-19 announcement

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — President Trump’s announcement that he and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19 is adding a new understanding of the pandemic.

“Any time that someone that people look to, and think about, and hear about on a daily basis – with this president in particular – people are going to have a heightened consciousness,” said John Grewer of Providence.

He adds he thinks it could change how some people see masks.

“I think there are people who will at least give it a second thought and take greater precautions. I hope that people become more attuned to the dangers, and more aware that their actions can have consequences.”

“I would hope it would be a wake-up call for people who have a little bit of common sense,” said Mike Brady of East Providence.

But others say they don’t expect the President and First Lady’s COVID announcement to cause any seismic shifts.

“I don’t think the president getting COVID-19 is going to make people – generally, most people won’t panic about that,” said Rayiah Monteiro of Fall River.

Some believe it depends how severe the illness gets for them.

“It’s going to make other people curious to see how him and his wife recovers,” said Jason Hairston of Fall River. “So it depends on your mind state. It never really put me in a state of fear.”