On July 17, 2024, it was revealed in a statement by the Press Secretary that President Biden had tested positive for COVID-19. The president came down with the sickness while campaigning in Nevada. According to the White House, he is only experiencing mild symptoms and is being very closely monitored. The president has been vaccinated and taken boosters. Biden will be self-isolating in his Delaware home, where he will be carrying out his presidential duties.
Included in Karine Jean-Pierre’s press release is a statement by President Biden’s doctor. Dr. Kevin O'Connor, President Biden's physician, said in a statement,
“The President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general mailaise. 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. Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals. PCR confirmation testing will be pending. His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97%. The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth.”
It is noteworthy that President Biden has been put on Paxlovid by his doctor, as it is a prescription treatment for individuals at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, which could lead to hospitalization or death. This is certainly an interesting election cycle thus far.
Sources:
Statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/17/statement-from-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-3/
President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19 while campaigning in Las Vegas, has ‘mild symptoms’. https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-las-vegas-ff29bb071f18b993d20dedccbe2c8fbf
Kevin O’Connor. https://www.nyit.edu/news/profiles/kevin_oconnor
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