President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while in Las Vegas, but is vaccinated, boosted, and experiencing mild symptoms. He will self-isolate in Delaware and continue to carry out his duties. Biden was already scheduled to head to Delaware after his trip to Las Vegas. He has taken his first dose of Paxlovid and does not have a fever.
Biden, 81, has maintained a full schedule in Nevada, despite questions about his health and capabilities following a poor debate performance in June. Both Biden and former President Donald Trump have had COVID-19 in the past. Biden last tested positive in 2022. His COVID-19 test result was announced at an event in Las Vegas, where he was expected to speak but was unable to due to his positive test.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated their guidance for individuals who test positive for COVID-19. They no longer need to isolate for five days, but should stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and a fever is gone without medication for at least 24 hours. After that, individuals should continue to wear a mask and maintain distance from others for five days.
After testing positive for COVID-19, Biden responded to a question about his well-being by saying he felt good. He experienced upper respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, nonproductive cough, and general malaise. His respiratory rate is normal. He will continue to receive regular updates on his condition while isolating in Delaware. The White House did not attribute the statement about Biden’s symptoms to his physician by name.
Biden had been on a trip to Las Vegas for a series of events when he tested positive for COVID-19. The president was about an hour and a half late to an event where he was expected to speak but had to announce his positive test result instead. Biden had said in an interview on Tuesday that he would drop out of the presidential race if he developed a medical condition that prevented him from running.
Biden’s positive COVID-19 test came after he attended multiple events in Nevada, where he tested positive after his first event in Las Vegas. He will be self-isolating in Delaware and continuing to carry out his duties. Despite his positive result, Biden does not have a fever and has taken medication to reduce the chance of hospitalization or death. The CDC’s guidance on COVID-19 positive individuals has been updated, no longer requiring isolation for five days but recommending continued precautions such as wearing a mask and maintaining distance for five days after symptoms improve.
