(Rightallegiance.com) – President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, according to an announcement from the White House on Wednesday. The news comes as Biden was actively engaged in delivering speeches in Las Vegas, where he began experiencing mild symptoms earlier in the day.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre provided an update, stating that Biden is “experiencing mild symptoms.” She confirmed that the president would be returning to Delaware to self-isolate while continuing to fulfill his presidential duties remotely. “The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation,” Jean-Pierre added.
Biden boarded Air Force One around 6:30 p.m. ET in Las Vegas, according to reports from the White House press pool. Notably, he was not seen wearing a mask as he boarded the aircraft. Earlier in the day, the president’s physician reported that Biden had developed a runny nose and a “non-productive cough,” leading to a point-of-care test that confirmed the Covid-19 infection.
“He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point-of-care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus,” the physician stated. Despite these symptoms, Biden’s overall health remains stable, with a normal temperature and respiratory rate, and a pulse oximetry reading of 97%.
The president has received his first dose of Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to treat Covid-19, and will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Initially, Biden was scheduled to deliver remarks at the UnidosUS Annual Conference later in the afternoon, following an interview with Univision. However, he did not appear at the event as planned. After 6 p.m. ET, UnidosUS President Janet Murguia informed attendees about Biden’s positive test result. “Regrettably, I was just on the phone with President Biden, and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon,” Murguia reported. “The president has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Covid.”
The Biden campaign has referred media inquiries to the White House for further information regarding the president’s health and ongoing duties during this period of isolation. Regular updates are expected as the administration continues to monitor the situation closely.