July 21, 2022–President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 for the first time Thursday morning, the White House said.
Biden, 79, has “very mild symptoms” and is taking Paxlovid, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
Biden is experiencing a runny nose, dry cough and fatigue, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said.
Biden tweeted that he’s “doing great” and “keeping busy!”
Jean-Pierre said an update will be provided every day as Biden “continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation” at the White House.
Close contacts, “including any Members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the President during yesterday’s travel,” will be informed on Thursday, Jean-Pierre said.
Biden traveled to Somerset, Massachusetts, on Wednesday where he announced executive actions to address climate change. Biden delivered his speech outside and met with local officials.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who was with Biden at his event Wednesday, tested negative on Thursday, a spokesperson said.
The president greeted Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska at the White House on Tuesday.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was with the president on Tuesday, tested negative Thursday morning. Her office said she’ll remain masked and continue her schedule as planned.
Zelenska said she doesn’t have any symptoms. She said a negative test was required ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, adding that she plans on re-testing.
