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President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Experiences Mild Symptoms

President Joe Biden tests positive for COVID-19 while in Las Vegas and experiences mild symptoms. He will self-isolate in Delaware and continue his duties. Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis affects planned events, including a speech at the Unidos convention.

President Joe Biden and Maritza Rodriguez, Biden for President Latina adviser, greets patrons at Linda Michoacan Mexican Restaurant, during a stop in Las Vegas, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling in Las Vegas on Wednesday and is currently experiencing “mild symptoms,” according to the White House.

Self-Isolation and Continued Duties

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that Biden will fly to his home in Delaware, where he will “self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.” The news was initially shared by Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía at the group’s convention in Las Vegas. Murguía informed attendees that the president had sent his regrets and could not appear in person due to his positive COVID-19 test.

Medical Update from Dr. Kevin O’Connor

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, provided a medical update, stating that Biden “presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise.” Following the positive COVID-19 test, Biden was prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid and has taken his first dose, according to O’Connor.

Impact on Planned Events

Biden was scheduled to speak at the Unidos event in Las Vegas Wednesday afternoon, aiming to rally Hispanic voters ahead of the November election. Prior to the diagnosis, the president visited the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, greeting diners and was scheduled for an interview with Univision.

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