President Joe Biden is still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms and continues to take Paxlovid, after testing positive for COVID-19 this week, according to the president’s physician.
Biden doesn’t have a fever and his symptoms remain mild, Dr. Kevin O’Connor said in a statement Thursday.
Biden, 81, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, following his first event in Las Vegas, the White House said.
UnidosUS CEO Janet Murguía had also announced the diagnosis from the podium where the president was set to speak at the organization’s conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
President Joe Biden and Maritza Rodriguez, Biden for President Latina adviser, greets patrons at Linda Michoacan Mexican Restaurant, during a stop in Las Vegas, on July 17, 2024.
Susan Walsh/AP
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” the White House said in a statement Wednesday night. “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 said it 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 shared a note Wednesday from Biden’s doctor, who said the president had upper respiratory symptoms — including a running nose and cough — and “general malaise” Wednesday afternoon.
“He felt OK 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,” his doctor said, according to the White House.
President Joe Biden gives a thumbs up as he prepares to board Air Force One at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, on July 17, 2024.
Pool via ABC News
The president gave a thumbs-up to reporters as he prepared to depart Las Vegas on Wednesday when asked how he was feeling and responded, “Good. I feel good,” according to the pool.
He was seen maskless boarding Air Force One in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon to head to Rehoboth, Delaware.
Biden also shared his COVID-19 diagnosis on X later Wednesday night, writing, “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.
Biden previously tested positive for COVID-19 in 2022 and took Paxlovid then, the White House said at the time.
President Joe Biden walks up the steps of Air Force One at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, on July 17, 2024.
Susan Walsh/AP
The president was slated to deliver remarks Wednesday afternoon at the annual conference for UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization, when Murguía announced from the stage that he would no longer be able to appear.
“Regrettably, I was just on the phone with President Biden and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon,” Murguía told the crowd. “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, and he did not obviously want to put anybody at risk.”
“He said to tell my folks that you’re not going to get rid of him that quickly,” Murguía continued. “We’re going to have a chance to hear from him in the future directly. He’s just really sorry he couldn’t be with us.”
ABC News’ Mary K. Bruce contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement released by his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor. The news has raised concerns about the health of the President, who is 79 years old and considered to be at higher risk for severe illness from the virus.
In the statement, Dr. O’Connor provided an update on President Biden’s condition, stating that he is experiencing mild symptoms and is currently in good spirits. The President is being closely monitored by medical staff and is following all recommended protocols for COVID-19 treatment and isolation.
Dr. O’Connor also confirmed that President Biden is fully vaccinated and received a booster shot earlier this year. This is reassuring news, as vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.
Despite his mild symptoms, President Biden is continuing to carry out his duties as Commander-in-Chief, with the assistance of his staff and advisors. He is working remotely from the White House residence and participating in meetings and briefings via video conferencing.
The news of President Biden’s positive COVID-19 test serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by the virus, even as vaccination rates continue to rise. It also highlights the importance of following public health guidelines, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated, to protect oneself and others from the spread of COVID-19.
As the situation continues to evolve, Dr. O’Connor will provide regular updates on President Biden’s condition and any changes to his treatment plan. In the meantime, the President’s health and well-being remain a top priority for his medical team and the nation as a whole.
In conclusion, while President Biden’s positive COVID-19 test is concerning, it is reassuring to know that he is vaccinated and experiencing only mild symptoms. By following medical advice and taking necessary precautions, we can all help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect those most vulnerable to severe illness.
