Joe Biden Tests Positive for Covid-19
US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House has announced.
The president, who is fully vaccinated and has also had two booster shots, had managed to avoid contracting the virus until now, although a number of members of his administration including vice-president Kamala Harris had previously been infected.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden was taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease, and would continue with his duties whilst isolating.
“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,” Jean-Pierre said.
In a post on Twitter, Biden thanked Americans for their concern and told them that he is “doing great”.
Folks, I'm doing great. Thanks for your concern. Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today.
Keeping busy! pic.twitter.com/uf7AsOg571
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 21, 2022
First lady Jill Biden has tested negative, according to her office. Visiting Detroit for an event at a local school, the first lady briefly addressed news of her husband’s positive test.
“My husband tested positive for Covid. I talked to him just a few minutes ago. He’s doing fine, he’s feeling good,” she said. “I tested negative this morning. I am going to keep my schedule.”