President Biden tests positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning and will now work in isolation, according to the White House.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is set to hold a news briefing at 2:15 p.m., which we will stream live in the media player above.

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The president is experiencing very mild symptoms and is taking Paxlovid. He is also fully vaccinated and twice boosted, according to a statement by press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

In a letter from Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, said Biden’s symptoms included a runny nose, fatigue, and an occasional dry cough that started Wednesday evening.

When a fully vaccinated person experiences a breakthrough infection, the chance of severe illness or death is low. The early use of Paxlovid is also meant to add protection against severe disease.

The president will work in isolation until he tests negative again, which is White House protocol. The White House will also provide a daily update on his condition, and notify anyone who came into contact with him in the last two days. The president’s last COVID test was Tuesday, and he tested negative.

Biden, 79, was expected to be in Orlando and Tampa on Monday. Those trips are now canceled.

First lady Jill Biden tweeted that she tested negative for COVID-19. She will wear a mask as she travels, however. She was in Detroit Thursday promoting education programs.