President Joe Biden is “still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms associated with his recent Covid-19 infection,” but has no fever and his vital signs are normal, the White House physician said Thursday.
“He continues to receive Paxlovid” and “will continue to conduct the business of the American people,” Dr. Kevin O’Connor said in a letter released by the White House.
Biden tested positive for Covid on Wednesday while he was in Las Vegas for a series of events, the White House said. “He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. His symptoms were described on Wednesday as including a runny nose, nonproductive cough and “general malaise,” the statement said.
The positive test comes as pressure has grown on Biden to drop out of the 2024 race in the wake of his disappointing debate performance against former President Donald Trump last month. The White House at the time said he had a cold during the 90-minute event, in which Biden sounded raspy and seemed to stumble through some of his answers. He also later blamed his travel schedule.
In an effort to prove his vitality and mental acuity, Biden had recently ramped up his campaign activities and media interviews. He had to skip one of Wednesday’s planned appearances due to his illness.
Biden, 81, last tested positive for Covid in 2022.
Caroline Kenny contributed.
