While on a campaign trip in Las Vegas, President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is experiencing mild symptoms, the White House has announced.
The 81-year-old president, seen giving a thumbs up from his limousine, “The Beast,” before boarding Air Force One for isolation at his Rehoboth, Delaware, beach home, reported feeling well despite his diagnosis.
This announcement came shortly after Biden had to cancel a planned address to a Latino union, with Janet Murguia revealing that the president had called to apologize for his absence due to the positive test result.
The news arrives amid increased scrutiny of Biden’s re-election bid, particularly following a lackluster debate performance that has fueled concerns about his age and health.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre shared, “Following his first event in Las Vegas today, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is only experiencing mild symptoms. He will return to Delaware to self-isolate while continuing to perform his duties remotely.”
According to the White House, Biden is experiencing a runny nose, a “non-productive cough,” and general malaise, and is currently taking the COVID drug Paxlovid. His vital signs remain stable: normal respiratory rate at 16, temperature at 97.8°F, and pulse oximetry at 97 percent.
Janet Murguia announced the diagnosis to the crowd before the White House confirmation, saying, “I just spoke with President Biden, and he expressed his deep regret at not being able to join us this afternoon. We understand and support his need to follow the recommended precautions.”
