President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19 During Las Vegas Visit

President Biden‘s trip to Las Vegas took a turn on Wednesday as the White House announced he tested positive for COVID-19 following an event in the city. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Biden was experiencing mild symptoms and would be self-isolating in Delaware while continuing his official duties.

According to his doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, President Biden’s symptoms included a runny nose, cough, and general malaise. He has already taken his first dose of Paxlovid, a medication known to reduce hospitalization or death rates.

President Biden, 81, was notably late for a scheduled appearance at the UnidosUS event in Las Vegas, where Janet Murguía revealed his absence due to the positive COVID-19 test. Biden had been engaging with various events and crowds during his visit to Nevada.

The news was relayed to campaign staff members by top officials Jen O’Malley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, assuring them that the President was in good spirits and looking forward to resuming campaign activities once cleared of COVID-19.

Despite the CDC’s latest guidance on shortened isolation periods for COVID-19, President Biden’s positive test and subsequent isolation in Delaware highlight ongoing concerns about public figures contracting the virus, as well as the importance of preventive measures in public settings.

As President Biden focuses on recuperating, his absence from the campaign trail adds a new dynamic to the upcoming events, with implications on his reelection bid and the overall political landscape in the coming weeks.