President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 following an event in Las Vegas, the White House announced on Wednesday, July 17.
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “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 White House also released a statement from the president’s doctor, who reported that Biden’s symptoms include “upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise.”
“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,” the doctor’s statement read.
“PCR confirmation testing will be pending,” the statement continued. “The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth.”