According to a statement released by the White House, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that the 81-year-old president, who is vaccinated and boosted, has previously tested positive for COVID-19 twice.
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Earlier in the day, Mr Biden visited supporters in Las Vegas and spoke at an event. He has since cancelled a planned campaign speech for that night.
Mr Biden’s positive test comes as he faces mounting pressure to step aside from the election after the June debate performance.
Ms Jean-Pierre stated that Biden will isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to perform “all of his duties fully during that time”.
Dr Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, reported that Biden has upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and has started treatment with Paxlovid.
“He felt OK for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus,” the statement said.
Biden took to X/Twitter to thank everyone for their well wishes and said he would “work to get the job done for the American people” while recovering.
Footage showed Biden moving cautiously up the steps to Air Force One without wearing a mask. As he boarded, he said, “Good, I feel good.”
In an interview with BET, Mr Biden stated he wouldn’t step down with the country so “divided” but would consider it if his doctors identified a “medical condition”.
The White House said Biden will be self-isolating under the Centres for Disease Control guidelines.
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