US President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing “very mild symptoms”.
In a statement Thursday, a White House spokesman said Biden, who is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots, will continue to work while in isolation.
“In accordance with CDC guidelines, he will be in isolation at the White House and will continue to perform all of his duties fully during this time,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
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“He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning and will participate in their scheduled meetings at the White House this morning by phone and Zoom from the residence,” the statement added.
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In a tweet Thursday afternoon, Biden said he was “doing great” and “staying busy.”
People, I’m doing really well. Thank you for your concern. I just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my cousins from Scranton!) to send my apologies for missing our event today.
Stay busy! pic.twitter.com/uf7AsOg571
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 21, 2022
Biden has started taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the illness, as recommended by his doctor.
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A letter released by Biden’s doctor, Kevin C. O’Connor, said routine rapid antigen tests followed by a PCR test confirmed the president was infected with the virus.
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He is currently experiencing mild symptoms, mainly a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, according to the letter.
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Meanwhile, his wife, Jill Biden, said she tested negative Thursday morning, adding that the president is “doing well and ‘feeling good.’
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Speaking to reporters in Detroit, Jill Biden said that, per CDC instructions, she will wear a mask but continue her schedule, including a visit to the Detroit Community School District’s summer learning program .
Joe Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, having received two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September 2021 and an additional dose on March 30 .
Biden is not the first world leader or the first American president to contract COVID-19, which has infected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen leaders and senior officials worldwide. .
— with files from The Associated Press
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