President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, the White House said on Thursday.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden, who is screened for Covid-19 on a regular basis, tested positive Thursday morning. She added that the president, who is fully vaccinated against Covid-19 with two booster shots, has “very mild symptoms” that are being treated with the anti-viral medication Paxlovid.
Ms Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden would follow Centres for Disease Control guidelines by isolating at the White House while carrying out “all of his duties fully during that time”.
“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,” she said. “Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative”.
Ms Jean-Pierre said the White House would provide daily updates on Mr Biden’s condition “out of an abundance of transparency,” though she stressed that the is continuing to “carry out the full duties of the office” despite being in isolation.
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