United States President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 during a campaign trip to Las Vegas on Wednesday and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House announced.
“I feel good,” Biden, 81, told reporters, giving a thumbs up as he leaned out of his limousine, before boarding Air Force One to head for isolation at his beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement, “Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is vaccinated and boosted, and he is experiencing mild symptoms. 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.”
Biden’s doctor reported that the President was suffering from a runny nose, a “non-productive cough,” and “general malaise.” Biden is now receiving the COVID drug Paxlovid, with his symptoms remaining mild. His respiratory rate, temperature, and pulse oximetry were all reported to be normal.
The announcement came shortly after the President of the Unidos Union, Janet Murguia, informed members that Biden had called to apologize for not being able to attend their event due to his diagnosis. Murguia relayed, “The President has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Covid. So of course, we understand that he needs to take the precautions that have been recommended.”
The diagnosis comes amid growing pressure on Biden to reconsider his re-election bid against former President Donald Trump, following a challenging debate performance that raised concerns about his age and health.
