United States President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with COVID-19 while on a trip to Las Vegas on Wednesday.
According to the White House, he is currently experiencing “mild symptoms,” including a sense of overall discomfort due to the infection.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that President Biden will travel to his residence in Delaware, where he plans to “self-isolate and maintain full duties during this period.”
The information was initially disclosed by UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, who informed attendees at the organisation’s convention in Las Vegas that the president could not attend due to testing positive for the virus.
President Biden, aged 81, developed upper respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, non-productive cough, and general malaise this afternoon, according to Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician.
Following a positive COVID-19 test, Biden received a prescription for the antiviral medication Paxlovid and has already taken his first dose, as confirmed by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician.
Instead of speaking at the UnidosUS event in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon to rally Hispanic voters ahead of the November election, Biden opted to depart for the airport and fly to Delaware.
His destination was his home in Rehoboth Beach, where he had already planned to spend an extended weekend.
The president’s diagnosis has emerged during heightened scrutiny of his health and stamina, particularly following a tumultuous debate with former President Donald Trump.
This has prompted considerable concern among Democrats about Biden’s readiness to successfully pursue another presidential term.
With caution, Biden boarded Air Force One and assured accompanying reporters, “I’m feeling well.” Notably, he chose not to wear a mask while boarding the aircraft.
Beforehand, the president had visited the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he greeted diners and participated in an interview with Univision.
Biden has received the COVID-19 vaccination and is up to date with his recommended annual booster dose.
The vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy in reducing severe illness and fatalities from the virus, which has claimed over 1 million lives in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Paxlovid has been demonstrated to lower the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 when prescribed early in the infection. Nevertheless, it has also been associated with rebound infections, where the virus resurfaces shortly after apparent recovery.
Biden previously tested positive for COVID-19 twice in the summer of 2022, experiencing both a primary infection and a subsequent rebound case of the virus.
Recent reports from health officials indicate a rise in visits to emergency rooms and hospital admissions due to COVID-19.
Additionally, there has been a notable uptick in positive test results, particularly in the southwestern region of the United States.