US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid 19, a statement from the White House confirmed on July 17. “Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19,” the statement from Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre read.
Biden is vaccinated and boosted and is facing mild symptoms.
“He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” it read.
Biden’s doctor said the former “presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general mailaise”.
“He felt okay 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. Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals,” the statement further added.
“PCR confirmation testing will be pending. His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97%. The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth,” the doctor added.
Meanwhile, Biden’s health update led to the cancellation of his campaign event in the crucial swing state of Nevada. The President, who is also the presumptive Democrat nominee for the upcoming election in November, is facing pressure from his party members to step down.
On Wednesday, Adam Schiff, a senior Democratic member in the House of Representatives, who is running for the US Senate, joined the dissent against Biden. “While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch. And in doing so, secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election,” Schiff said in a statement, as quoted by CNN.
Schiff, a stern critic of former president and current Republican nominee Donald Trump, took shots at him, but also expressed his doubts about Biden’s ability. “A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,” Schiff added.
