President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, the White House confirmed Wednesday after a conference leader where the president was scheduled to speak made the announcement.
“Regrettably, I was just on the phone with President Biden and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon. The president has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Covid,” said Janet Murguia, president of UnidosUS.
Biden had been expected to deliver remarks at the group’s event in Las Vegas and had been about an hour and a half late before the announcement was made.
In a statement, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden tested positive earlier in the day “following his first event in Las Vegas.”
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” Jean-Pierre said. “He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
Biden has kept a full schedule in Nevada this week, following questions about his health and capabilities after a dismal debate performance in late June. He last tested positive for Covid in 2022.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Tara Prindiville contributed.
