President Joe Biden has tested negative for COVID-19 and will end his isolation on Wednesday, according to his physician.
Biden tested positive last Thursday, and was experiencing “very mild symptoms.”
Biden’s health: The president tested negative by antigen testing Tuesday evening and again Wednesday morning, Dr. Kevin O’Connor said in a letter.
- O’Connor said Biden finished his five-day course of Paxlovid — an antiviral used to treat COVID-19 — and is fever-free without the use of acetaminophen.
- Biden’s symptoms “have been steadily improving, and are almost completely resolved,” O’Connor wrote.
What’s next? Though Biden tested negative, he will continue to wear a “well-fitting mask” for 10 days while around others, and will test regularly in case of COVID “rebound,” — further replication of the virus that can lead to symptoms days after negative tests — which can occur among patients treated with Paxlovid.
Key quote: “If you get sick and test positive, seek treatment,” Biden said, promoting the use of vaccines, free tests and antiviral drugs during a press conference in the White House Rose Garden. “Take advantage of these life-saving tools. We have more of these tools than we ever had before.”