The president of the United States of America, Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing “very mild symptoms”.
Joe Biden Contract COVID-19
A statement on Thursday by Karine Jean-Pierre, white house press secretary, said the 79-year-old leader has begun taking Paxlovid, an anti-viral treatment.
Jean-Pierre said the US president is also expected to isolate at the white house, while continuing to carry out his duties.
He said, “This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms.
“He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.
“He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence.
“Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work.”
Jean-Pierre also said daily updates on Biden would be provided, adding that the prior to the Thursday result, the US president had tested negative on Tuesday.
“Out of an abundance of transparency, the White House will provide a daily update on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation,” the statement reads.
“Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the President during the day today, including any Members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the President during yesterday’s travel.
“The President’s last previous test for COVID was Tuesday, when he had a negative test result.”
This comes four months after former US President, Barack Obama announced on social media that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
