U.S. President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID.
His press secretary announced the news and added that the president “is experiencing very mild symptoms.”
First Lady Jill Biden tested negative for the virus this morning.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden, 79, tested positive this morning, adding that she is fully vaccinated and twice strengthened.
Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the president’s mild symptoms began Wednesday and include runny nose, dry cough and fatigue.
He added that the president went to bed and felt fine, but did not sleep well.
The White House said it has begun taking antiviral treatment, Paxlovid, and will isolate itself as it continues to perform tasks “completely.”
The prime minister’s spokesman said Boris Johnson sends Biden his “best wishes” and hopes he recovers quickly.
The president was out yesterday, making a speech on climate change at a former Massachusetts coal plant.
The White House added that Mr. Biden has contacted staff members by phone this morning and will participate in their scheduled meetings by phone and Zoom and will resume face-to-face work when negative.
The statement continues: “The president’s last preliminary test for COVID was on Tuesday, when it had a negative result.”
Earlier this year, in April, Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for the virus and isolated it until it tested negative.