Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Experiences Mild Symptoms

President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the White House to announce that he is experiencing “mild” symptoms. Following the announcement, Biden was seen in public without a face mask during a trip to Las Vegas, where he boarded Air Force One. The president's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, confirmed that Biden would self-isolate in accordance with CDC guidelines for symptomatic individuals, despite his public appearances. Dr. O'Connor reported that Biden is dealing with a runny nose, dry cough, and general malaise, and is being treated with the antiviral drug Paxlovid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals recovering from COVID-19 wear masks to help reduce transmission, although it does not mandate their use. The CDC emphasizes that wearing masks is an “additional strategy” for preventing the spread of illness, particularly when someone is symptomatic. Despite the CDC's recommendations, the White House has not provided an explanation for Biden's decision to forgo a mask in public settings. As of Thursday, Dr. O'Connor stated that Biden continues to experience mild upper respiratory symptoms but does not have a fever, and his vital signs remain normal. In the meantime, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby assured reporters that Biden is being kept informed by his leadership team, particularly regarding national security matters, while he isolates at his home in Rehoboth Beach.