President Biden tests positive for COVID
Jul 17, 2024, 4:20 PM | Updated: 8:20 pm
President Joe Biden and Maritza Rodriguez, Biden for President Latina adviser, greets patrons at Linda Michoacan Mexican Restaurant, during a stop in Las Vegas, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
SALT LAKE CITY — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID and had to cancel an appearance in Las Vegas on Wednesday, CNN reported.
A statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden was experiencing mild symptoms and would go to his home in Delaware to self-isolate.
“[The president] will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” Jean-Pierre’s statement read.
Appearance canceled after Biden’s positive COVID test
Biden was scheduled to speak at the UnidosUS annual conference on Wednesday. UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía made the initial announcement about Biden’s illness. CNN reported that Murguía told attendees the news after the president was over an hour late to his appearance.
Note from the president’s doctor
Jean-Pierre’s statement about the president’s illness included a note from Biden’s doctor.
“The President 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,” the doctor’s note read in part.
The note restated that Biden’s symptoms were mild and his vitals were normal.
Biden addresses positive COVID test
A few hours after the news broke, Biden posted to social media that he was “feeling good.”
I tested positive for COVID-19 this afternoon, but I am feeling good and thank everyone for the well wishes.
I will be isolating as I recover, and during this time I will continue to work to get the job done for the American people.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 17, 2024
