United States President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 during a campaign trip to Las Vegas on Thursday and is experiencing mild symptoms.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced the positive test, stating that the 81-year-old president is vaccinated and boosted. This is Biden’s third time contracting Covid-19.
Earlier on Wednesday, Biden was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and was scheduled to deliver a speech at an event, but had to cancel due to the diagnosis.
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Biden’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, said the president presented with upper respiratory symptoms like a runny nose and cough, and has received his first dose of Paxlovid. O’Connor noted Biden’s symptoms remain mild, with a normal temperature, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry.
The illness comes as Biden faces increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to withdraw from the presidential race against Republican nominee Donald Trump due to his age.
However, Biden has repeatedly rejected these calls and defended his physical and mental health.
After testing positive, Biden used X/Twitter to thank people for the well wishes and said he would “work to get the job done for the American people” while recovering.
His account also posted a tweet stating “I’m sick” before replying “…of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election,” linking to a campaign donations portal.
