The White House said President Joe Biden, 81, tested positive for COVID-19 after his first event in Las Vegas, where he was scheduled to speak later at the UnidosUS annual conference.
The White House doctor announced that President Biden has taken the first dose of the antiviral drug Paxlovid and will self-isolate at his home in Delaware, according to instructions from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"I feel fine" - CNN quoted President Biden telling reporters in Las Vegas before boarding Air Force One on July 17.
Mr. Biden has been fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and also with a booster shot. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the President had "upper respiratory symptoms, including runny nose and dry cough, accompanied by fatigue."
"The President felt fine during the first event of the day, but because he did not feel better, he was tested for COVID-19 and the result was positive" - Ms. Jean-Pierre said.
The White House confirmation came after an announcement at the conference by UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, due to Mr. Biden arriving an hour and a half behind schedule.
“I just spoke on the phone with President Biden. And he shares his deep disappointment in not being able to join us this afternoon. The President has attended many events as we all know but he just tested positive for COVID-19,” Ms. Murguía told attendees.
President Joe Biden first tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2022. After that, Mr. Biden got sick again a second time.
According to a memo from the White House doctor, Mr. Biden has received multiple booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, most recently in September 2023. During his first bout with COVID-19, the President had mild symptoms, including runny nose, fatigue, high temperature, cough, and was treated with Paxlovid.
According to the CDC, COVID-19 cases nationwide have increased in recent weeks. The most recent data shows that in the week ending July 6, urgent care visits for COVID-19 increased 23.5% compared to the previous week.
The CDC also reported that COVID-19 virus levels in wastewater were high nationwide as of July 6.
