President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19

President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19.

The President's positive test was announced by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre via a letter from Kevin C. O'Connor, Biden's physician. O'Connor noted in the letter, "President Biden is currently experiencing mild symptoms, mostly rhinorrhea (or 'runny nose') and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough, which started yesterday evening (July 20). Given that he meets U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) criteria for PAXLOVID, I have recommended initiating such treatment."

O'Connor added, "The President is fully vaccinated and twice-boosted, so I anticipate that he will respond favorably, as most maximally protected patients do. Early use of PAXLOVID in this case provides additional protection against severe disease. He will isolate in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations."

The Associated Press notes, "Up to this point, Biden’s ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him. Prior waves of the virus swept through Washington’s political class, infecting Vice President Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and lawmakers. Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested."

We send well wishes to President Biden for a full, speedy recovery.