Biden tests positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON (AP):

United States President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and went into isolation with mild symptoms. White House officials went all-out to show that the 79-year-old leader could power through the virus and keep working because he was vaccinated and boosted.

Biden recorded a video on a White House balcony to send the message that he would be fine and urged the country to stay calm and carry on.

“I’m doing well, getting a lot of work done,” Biden said. “And in the meantime, thanks for your concern. And keep the faith. It’s going to be OK.”

Administration officials reminded people that Biden’s prognosis is strong because he has received every vaccine dose for which he is eligible, including two original shots and two boosters.

Biden – who has runny nose and “fatigue, with an occasional dry cough”, according to his physician – is also being treated with Paxlovid, an antiviral drug used to prevent more severe symptoms.

First lady Jill Biden has tested negative.