NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced, derailing his plans to speak at an event in Las Vegas amid a tumultuous period in his presidential bid.
The president tested positive following his first event appearance in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Officials confirmed that he is both vaccinated and boosted and is experiencing only mild symptoms.
“[Biden] will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status.”
The news was first reported by NBC after president and CEO of Unidos US Janet Murguía offered Biden's condolences to attendees of the organization's Las Vegas convention where the president intended to rally Hispanic voters. The news was soon after confirmed by the White House.
“The President presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general mailaise,” Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, said in a statement.
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%,” O'Connor continued.
The president has received his first dose of Paxlovid, and will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth.