LAS VEGAS — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, prompting him to cancel an event in Las Vegas, the White House said.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden tested positive “following his first event in Las Vegas.”
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” Jean-Pierre said. “He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. 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.”
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s White House doctor, said the President was diagnosed with Covid after experiencing upper respiratory symptoms.
Biden’s symptoms included a runny nose, non-productive cough and “general malaise,” the statement said.
The President has already taken his first dose of Paxlovid, a medication that is that reduces the chance of hospitalization or death.
“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. The president has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Covid,” said Janet Murguia, president of UnidosUS at the event.
Biden gingerly boarded Air Force One and told reporters traveling with him, “I feel good.”
The White House says Biden will isolate in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
