Biden said in a video message to the American people on Thursday: “This morning I tested positive for COVID. But I’ve been double vaccinated, double boosted. Symptoms are mild. And I really appreciate your inquiries and concerns. But I’m doing well, getting a lot of work done. Going to continue to get it done. And in the meantime, thanks for your concern. And keep the faith. It’s going to be okay.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that Biden was experiencing “very mild symptoms.”
White House physician Kevin O’Connor said the president had symptoms including a dry cough, runny nose and fatigue. These symptoms began on Wednesday evening, the physician added.
Biden has begun taking an antiviral pill, Pfizer’s Paxlovid, which is used to reduce the risk of hospitalisation for people who test positive for COVID-19, officials told reporters.
The White House’s coronavirus coordinator, Dr. Ashish Jha, said “because the president is fully vaccinated, double boosted, his risk of serious illness is dramatically lower.”
It is not yet known which variant of COVID-19 Biden has contracted, he added.
Iha went on to say: “The good news is — and this was always the point — the good news is his immune system is very well protected given the four vaccine shots he’s gotten. He’s getting treatment. He’s feeling fine. His words.”
The official added that the president “sounded great.”
Vice-President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden said the same, the PAP news agency reported.
Both Harris and Jill Biden tested negative for COVID-19 on Thursday, officials said.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, cnbc.com, news.yahoo.com