President Joe Biden is currently experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms and is undergoing treatment with Paxlovid, following a positive COVID-19 test earlier this week, as reported by his physician.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor noted in a Thursday statement that although President Biden is without a fever, his symptoms remain mild. The president tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday after attending an event in Las Vegas, according to the White House.
During an event organized by UnidosUS in Las Vegas, where President Biden was scheduled to speak, CEO Janet Murguía announced his diagnosis to the audience.
The White House communicated on Wednesday night that “He is vaccinated and boosted and is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be returning to Delaware to self-isolate and will continue to perform all of his duties fully during this period.”
First Lady Jill Biden, who is also in Rehoboth, Delaware, was already there before the president’s diagnosis, her office confirmed on Thursday. They stated there were no other family members with her in Rehoboth.
Regarding her health status, the First Lady’s office mentioned, “She is tested as determined appropriate by her doctor — she is not symptomatic and is up to date with her vaccines.”
While isolating, President Biden continues to be briefed on national security and other matters, as stated by national security communications adviser John Kirby during a Thursday press briefing. “While focusing on his recovery, the president is being kept informed as usual by his leadership team, including on national security issues,” Kirby said.
The White House has promised to provide regular updates on the president’s health as he manages the responsibilities of his office in isolation.
A note from the president’s doctor, shared by the White House on Wednesday, detailed that Biden had symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and “general malaise” that afternoon. “He felt fine for his first event of the day, but as he didn’t feel better later, we conducted a point of care COVID-19 test, which returned positive,” the note said.
Upon leaving Las Vegas on Wednesday, President Biden, responding to reporters’ inquiries about his health, gave a thumbs-up and remarked, “Good. I feel good.”
He was observed without a mask while boarding Air Force One to return to Rehoboth.
Later Wednesday night, President Biden posted on X, “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.”
This is not the president’s first encounter with COVID-19; he tested positive in 2022 and was treated with Paxlovid at that time as well.
He was scheduled to deliver remarks at the UnidosUS conference on Wednesday afternoon. However, Murguía informed the attendees from the stage about his inability to appear due to his positive test. “Regrettably, I was just on the phone with President Biden, and he expressed his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon,” Murguía said. “He’s taking the necessary precautions and is really sorry he couldn’t be with us but reassured us that we’ll hear from him directly soon.”
