U.S. President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing “very mild symptoms.”
In a statement on Thursday, a White House spokesperson said Biden, who is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots, will continue to work while isolating.
“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,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
“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,” the statement added.
In a Tweet Thursday afternoon, Biden said he was “doing great” and “keeping busy”.
Biden has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease, as recommended by his doctor.
A letter released by Biden’s physician, Kevin C. O’Connor, said routine rapid antigen testing followed by a PCR test confirmed the president was infected with the virus.
He is currently experiencing mild symptoms, mostly a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, the letter said.
Meanwhile, his wife Jill Biden said she tested negative Thursday morning, adding that the president is “doing fine and “feeling good.”
Speaking to reporters in Detroit, Jill Biden said that as per CDC guidance, she will mask up, but continue on with her schedule, including a tour of the Detroit Public Schools Community District summer learning program.
Joe Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September 2021 and an additional dose March 30.
Biden is not the first world leader or the first U.S. president to get COVID-19, which has infected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and more than a dozen other leaders and high-ranking officials globally.
— with files from The Associated Press