US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.
Biden, 81, tested positive following his first event in Las Vegas, where he was expected to later speak at the UnidosUS annual conference.
White house press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre revealed this in a statement, saying President Biden is vaccinated, boosted, and that he is experiencing mild symptoms following a positive COVID-19 test.
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” Jean-Pierre said.
“He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.
“The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
The president’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, said the President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general mailaise.
“He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus.
“Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals. PCR confirmation testing will be pending.
“His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97%. The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth,” he said.
Biden, in an X post, said he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon, saying he would be isolating as he recover.
“I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes. I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people,” he said.
