President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling Wednesday (July 17) in Las Vegas, per AP. The White House confirmed the news, releasing a statement from his physician that describes his “mild” symptoms.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden will fly to his house in Delaware, where he will “self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.”
The news was firstly shared by Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía, who told guests at the group’s convention in Las Vegas that the president had sent his regrets and could not appear. They disclosed that COVID-19 was the reason.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, also released a statement about the positive test. His note said Biden was facing upper respiratory symptoms this afternoon.
His symptoms additionally: “rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise.”
After the positive COVID-19 test, the doctor prescribed him the antiviral drug Paxlovid. He has taken his first dose, O’Connor said.