President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a White House statement released Thursday morning.
Details: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the 79-year-old president is fully vaccinated and twice boosted, and is only experiencing “very mild” symptoms.
- He is taking Paxlovid, an antiviral used to treat COVID-19, and will isolate until he tests negative, according to White House protocol.
- Dr. Kevin C. O’Connor, the president’s physician, said in a letter that his symptoms began Wednesday evening. Those include: runny nose, fatigue and a slight dry cough.
- “The president is fully vaccinated and twice-boosted, so I anticipate that he will respond favorably, as most maximally protected patients do. Early use of Paxlovid in this case provides additional protection against severe disease,” O’Connor wrote.
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The show must go on: Jean-Pierre says the president will “continue to carry out all of his duties fully” while he is in isolation.
- He has corresponded with White House staff via phone and will attend meetings over the phone and Zoom.
- The White House will release daily updates on the president’s condition through the duration of his isolation.
- The medical unit of the White House is working to inform all close contacts the president has had recently.