US President Joe Biden Tests Positive for Covid-19, Experiencing Mild Symptoms
July 17, 2024
US President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid-19, experiencing mild symptoms. Vaccinated and boosted, he plans to isolate in Delaware while continuing duties. Recent events canceled; concerns raised over age.
Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is suffering mild symptoms, the White House has said.
Karine Jean-Pierre, his press secretary, said the US president is vaccinated and boosted. He has had Covid twice before.
Mr Biden, 81, was seen earlier on Wednesday visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. He has cancelled a campaign speech in the city tonight.
The illness comes as he faces increasing pressure to step aside because of his age following a poor debate performance at the end of June.
Ms Jean-Pierre said the president planned to isolate at his home in Delaware while he carries out “all of his duties fully during that time”.
The president’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, said Mr Biden presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough and was given his first dose of Paxlovid.
He felt fine during his first event of the day, but later tested positive Dr O’Connor said.
Reporters on the Las Vegas trip with the president said they were rushed to the city’s airport following the announcement.
They saw Mr Biden move slowly and cautiously up the steps to the plane, reports said.
