By Maria Ortiz
17 Jul 2024, 18:27 PM EDT
President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid, the White House reported on Wednesday.
The president, who was scheduled to attend an event with Latinos in Las Vegas, “is experiencing mild symptoms,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
Biden “will return to Delaware, where he will self-isolate and continue to fully perform all of his duties during that time,” said Jean-Pierre.
“The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to perform all duties of the office while in isolation,” Jean-Pierre continued.
Biden’s doctor said in the statement that the president had a runny nose and a “nonproductive cough” on Wednesday afternoon.
“He felt well for his first event of the day, but as he was not feeling better, point-of-care COVID-19 testing was conducted and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus,” the doctor said in a statement shared by the White House.
Biden’s symptoms “remain mild,” with a normal temperature and respiratory rate and a pulse oximetry reading of 97%.
“The president has received his first dose of Paxlovid,” said the doctor“He will isolate himself at his home in Rehoboth.”
The news was first shared by Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía, who told guests at the group’s convention in Las Vegas that the president had apologized and could not appear because he tested positive for the virus.
“Unfortunately, I just spoke on the phone with the president and he told me of his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon,” said Janet Murguia, president of the organization“The president has been to many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Covid,” he added.
President Biden had previously been to the Original Lindo Michoacán restaurant in Las Vegas, where he greeted diners and also conducted an interview with Univision.
Keep reading:
– “Investing in America”: Biden administration announces multi-trillion dollar economic plan
– Adam Schiff calls on Joe Biden to end his campaign: “Pass the torch”
– Biden launches education and immigration initiatives in Las Vegas that will benefit Latinos