'Don't be afraid' of COVID, Trump says as he returns to White House that is stalked by illness

U.S. President Donald Trump gives two thumbs up to supporters as he rides in the presidential SUV with two U.S. Secret Service agents wearing medical protective masks, goggles and protective gowns in the front seat as they drive past the front of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he is being treated for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. October 4, 2020. REUTERS/Cheriss May.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump told Americans "to get out there" and not fear COVID-19 as he returned to the White House on Monday after a three-night hospital stay to be treated for the virus and removed his white surgical mask to pose for pictures.

Asked how he felt on arrival at the White House, where his staff has been hit by infections and his re-election campaign dogged by the pandemic, Trump said: "Real good," according to a pool report by a journalist covering his return on behalf of other media.