The White House today announced that President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and has mild symptoms, a diagnosis that comes amid the spread of the much more transmissible Omicron BA.5 subvariant.Biden's doctor, Kevin O'Connor, DO, said routine antigen screening was positive this morning, after which the president said he had mild symptoms that began last night, including a runny nose, fatigue, and an occasional dry cough.
A follow-up polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was also positive.O'Connor said he recommended that Biden, who is fully vaccinated and has received both booster doses, receive the antiviral drug Paxlovid, which the White House said Biden has started.In a video post on Twitter, Biden said, "I guess you've heard I tested positive for COVID." He said he's doing well and getting a lot of work done. "And in the meantime, thanks your concern, and keep the faith.
It's going to be OK."The White House said Biden will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative for COVID-19.Yesterday, Biden traveled to Massachusetts to announce new efforts to battle climate change.
Last week, he traveled to the Middle East to meet with leaders in that part of the world.COVID-19 in US, AsiaCOVID activity continues to increase, with middle Atlantic, southern, and western states reporting the highest community levels.