President Joe Biden is missing a campaign event in Las Vegas after being diagnosed with COVID.
The 81-year-old politician was expected at a convention hosted by UnidosUS, a civil rights organization, on Wednesday (July 17).
In a statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, it was confirmed that he would be absent from the event. Details about his symptoms and treatment were also shared.
Keep reading to find out more…
“Earlier today following his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19,” she said in the statement, which was shared with Variety. “He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
The President’s doctor also issued a statement, confirming that he was being treated with Paxlovid.
“The President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise. 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. Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals. PCR confirmation testing will be pending. His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal at 16, his temperature is normal at 97.8 and his pulse oximetry is normal at 97%. The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth,” the doctor said.
We hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery!
President Biden‘s illness comes following what is being investigated as a failed assassination attempt on his primary competitor Donald Trump. See what the President had to say about the shooting and a conversation that he had with Donald.