According to the White House, President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Speaking while giving addresses in Las Vegas, the president "is experiencing mild symptoms," according to a statement from White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
According to Jean-Pierre, Biden "will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time."
She mentioned that Biden had received booster shots.
"While in isolation, the President will continue to perform all official duties, and the White House will keep you informed on his progress on a regular basis," she stated.
At around 6:30 p.m. ET, Biden hopped on Air Force One in Las Vegas, according to the White House pool. When the president got on the aircraft, he wasn't hiding his identity.
In response to yelled questions from reporters on the airport tarmac, Biden said, "Good, I feel good."
The president developed a runny nose and a "non-productive cough" on Wednesday afternoon, according to Biden's physician.
In a statement released by the White House, the doctor stated, "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."
The doctor reports that Biden's symptoms "remain mild," with a 97% pulse oximetry measurement, a normal temperature, and a respiratory rate.
The doctor declared, "The President has taken his first dose of Paxlovid." "He intends to isolate himself at his Rehoboth home."
When approached for comment, the Biden campaign directed CNBC to the White House.
After an interview with Univision at the Original Lindo Michoácan Restaurant, Biden was set to give a speech on Wednesday afternoon at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
Biden is seen shaking hands with diners at one eatery in photos.
However, Biden failed to arrive at the conference at the 4:30 p.m. ET time he was supposed to address.
Janet Murguia, President of UnidosUS, informed the assembly that Biden had tested positive for the virus around six o'clock in the evening.
She stated, "Unfortunately, I just spoke with President Biden on the phone, and he expressed his sincere regret for being unable to join us this afternoon. "As everyone is aware, the president has attended a lot of parties, and he just tested positive for Covid.”
She said, "He told me to tell my parents that we're not going to get rid of him that quickly." "He sincerely apologizes for not being able to join us."
The 81-year-old biden's sickness coincides with growing demand from other Democrats for him to drop out of the presidential contest against Republican contender Donald Trump.
A rising chorus of Democratic politicians, prominent funders, and other supporters have called on Biden to resign after his dismal debate showing sparked concerns about his suitability for the campaign.
Rejecting such calls time and time again, Biden has maintained his physical and emotional well-being.
However, Biden stated in a Tuesday interview with BET that if a "medical condition" surfaced, he may decide to withdraw from the campaign.
In July 2022, Biden had a positive Covid test.
The Biden team moved swiftly to use his most recent viral episode as a springboard for fundraising, as well as a jab at Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who has allegedly promised to make a sizable donation to a super PAC that supports Trump.
On Wednesday night, Biden's personal X account posted a thread that started with the words "I'm sick."
The following piece, however, talked about Elon Musk and his wealthy friends attempting to rig the election. A link to the Biden campaign's fundraising page was provided in that message.
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