President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, the White House announced, prompting him to cancel a scheduled speech and self-isolate in Delaware. The president, who is vaccinated and boosted, was experiencing mild symptoms, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
Biden’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, reported that the president had upper respiratory symptoms, a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and general malaise. He had felt well during his first event of the day in Las Vegas, but upon feeling unwell, a point-of-care COVID-19 test was conducted, resulting in a positive diagnosis.
The White House said that Biden has received his first dose of Paxlovid and will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth. The president is expected to continue carrying out his duties fully while in isolation.
Biden was scheduled to speak at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in Las Vegas, an event that draws thousands of Latino advocates to the crucial swing state. The president’s absence was met with disappointment by attendees, with UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía informing them of Biden’s diagnosis and his inability to attend.
This news comes as President Biden faces mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party, as well as donors, to drop out of the presidential race due to concerns about his physical and mental state. The president has maintained his intention to run for re-election in 2024.
