President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.
The President has cancelled a campaign speech that was scheduled in Las Vegas.
“President Biden is vaccinated, boosted, and is experiencing mild symptoms following a positive COVID-19 test,” a White House post on X states.
“He will be returning to Delaware to self-isolate and will continue to perform all his duties fully during that time.
“The President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, including rhinorrhea (runny nose) and a non-productive cough, along with general malaise.
“He felt okay for his first event of the day, but since he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results came back 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 is 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.”
**Concerns About Biden’s Fitness**
On July 4, the White House reiterated that 81-year-old Biden would not withdraw from the upcoming presidential election despite growing concerns about his age and fitness.
US citizens and some of his fellow Democrats fear that the president’s age and mental alertness could hinder his re-election chances, especially after his performance against Donald Trump in their presidential debate.
The US president acknowledged that age affected his fluency during the debate but insisted he “could do the job.”
Biden also cited a cold and jet lag as reasons for his subpar performance.
The White House spokesperson has maintained that “The president is clear-eyed, and he is staying in the race.”
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