US President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House announced. “He (Biden) 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 stated in its official release on Wednesday (local time).
At 81 years old, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, following his attendance at the NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas the previous day. During the convention, he strongly criticized Donald Trump’s policies and condemned the rising gun violence in the nation.
The White House confirmed that Biden is vaccinated and has received COVID-19 booster shots, the latest of which was in September 2023. Following his positive test, Biden posted on X, saying, “I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes.” He added, “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.”
The President’s physician reported that Biden had upper respiratory symptoms, including rhinorrhea (runny nose), a non-productive cough, and general malaise. “He (Biden) 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,” stated a note from his doctor, provided by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Biden will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth. “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 per cent,” the White House added.
This is not Biden’s first encounter with COVID-19; he previously tested positive in July 2022, which was followed by a rebound infection that required a second period of isolation. According to a memo from his physician, Biden received Paxlovid treatment during his initial bout with COVID-19, which included moderate symptoms such as a runny nose, fatigue, a high temperature, and a cough, according to CNN.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported an increase in COVID-19 rates across the country. Data indicated a 23.5 per cent rise in emergency visits for COVID-19 during the week ending July 6 compared to the previous week.