(FILES) In this file photo taken on July 14, 2022, US President Joe Biden wipes his nose after signing the guest book while visiting Israel's President Isaac Herzog at Beit HaNassi, the presidential residence in Jerusalem. - Biden said on July 21, 2022, he was "doing great" after the White House announced he had contracted Covid-19 and was isolating with mild symptoms. "Folks, I'm doing great," Biden tweeted, above a picture showing him seated at his desk, smiling, with smartphones and documents laid out in front of him. "Thanks for your concern," the president wrote, adding: "Keeping busy!" (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, despite being “fully vaccinated and twice boosted” with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the 79-year-old president is experiencing “very mild symptoms.”
Mr Biden has begun taking Pfizer’s Paxlovid, an antiviral pill that can reduce the risk of hospitalisation for people who test positive for the virus, the press secretary said.
Mr Biden will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative, the statement added.
The statement read in part: “Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.
“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.
“Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work.
“Out of an abundance of transparency, the White House will provide a daily update on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
