US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid, the White House has said. The 79-year-old has 'mild symptoms' according to a statement issued on Thursday.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Mr Biden was experiencing “mild symptoms”. He has started to take Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease, reports The Mirror.
In the statement is said Mr Biden “will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time." It added: 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”.
Mr Biden is fully vaccinated and twice boosted. He was given two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose March 30.
The White House statement continued: “Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the President during the day today, including any Members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the President during yesterday’s travel. The President’s last previous test for Covid was Tuesday, when he had a negative test result.”
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