President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms, according to his physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor. The president, who is 81 years old, tested positive following an event in Las Vegas and is currently taking Paxlovid as part of his treatment.
In a statement released on Thursday, Dr. O'Connor reported that Biden does not have a fever, and his symptoms remain mild. The president's vital signs are normal, and he continues to perform his duties while self-isolating in Delaware. "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 stated.
First Lady Jill Biden, who is in Rehoboth, Delaware, prior to the president's diagnosis, remains asymptomatic and is up to date with her vaccinations. Her office confirmed that she would be tested as determined appropriate by her doctor.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby assured reporters that President Biden is being kept up to date on national security matters. "While he's certainly focused on getting better, as anybody who's had COVID would want to do, he is being kept up to speed as appropriate by his leadership team," Kirby said.
The president shared his COVID-19 diagnosis on social media, writing, "I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes. I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time, I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people."
This is not Biden's first encounter with COVID-19; he previously tested positive in 2022 and was treated with Paxlovid at that time as well. The current diagnosis led to the cancellation of his planned appearance at the UnidosUS conference in Las Vegas, where CEO Janet Murguía announced from the stage that the president had tested positive for COVID-19.
"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," Murguía told the audience. "He did not want to put anybody at risk."
The president's COVID-19 diagnosis comes at a time when the United States is experiencing a summer surge in cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of the states are seeing "high" or "very high" levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater testing. The most prevalent variants currently are KP.3, KP.2, and LB.1, descendants of the JN.1 strain.
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook expressed interest in Biden being given Paxlovid, noting the interaction with Eliquis, a blood thinner the president takes. "The Paxlovid can increase the level of the Eliquis," LaPook said, emphasizing the need for careful management of the treatment.
The president's positive test adds another layer of complexity to an already busy political agenda. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang remarked that the diagnosis is "a big development at a time when the president is already dealing with so much politically. He has a grueling travel schedule, and now he has to focus on getting better from COVID."
Several top officials in the Biden administration, including second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, have also tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks. This underscores the continued presence and impact of the virus within the highest levels of government.
The White House has committed to providing regular updates on President Biden's status as he continues to carry out his duties in isolation. The president's ability to manage his responsibilities while recovering reflects the administration's preparedness to handle such scenarios and maintain governmental continuity.
