BACROUND: For the first time during his term in office. U.S. Pres. Joe Biden has tested positive for the Coronavirus. At 79 years old Pres. Biden is in the high risk category, but plans to continue to work through his isolation period. While many people on his staff who are much younger than him have gotten the virus, he has stayed health util this point. Ther is speculation that the president may have gotten ill during his trip to the Middle East where he was maskless and shared fist bumps with several leaders. The White House says that Vice Pres. Kamala Harris last saw the POTUS on Tuesday. She tested tested negative for COVID. The White House medical team instructed her to wear a mas as a precaution.
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms. He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence.
Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work.
Out of an abundance of transparency, the White House will provide a daily update on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.
Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the President during the day today, including any Members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the President during yesterday’s travel. The President’s last previous test for COVID was Tuesday, when he had a negative test result.