Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 and has mild symptoms, according to the White House. His press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said the 81-year-old president is vaccinated and boosted.
Biden has had Covid twice before. On Wednesday, he was seen in Las Vegas with supporters and speaking at an event, but he had to cancel a campaign speech later that night due to his illness.
Biden is under pressure to step aside from the presidential race because of his age. U.S. media reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with Biden, expressing concerns that his candidacy might harm other Democratic races for the House and Senate.
Jean-Pierre said Biden plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing his duties. His doctor, Kevin O’Connor, noted Biden has upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough, and was given Paxlovid. Biden felt fine earlier in the day but later tested positive.
Biden thanked everyone for their well wishes on Twitter and said he would continue working while recovering. He also tweeted about his frustration with Elon Musk and wealthy individuals trying to influence the election, linking to a donation portal.
Reporters on the Las Vegas trip were quickly moved to the airport after the announcement.
Biden was seen moving slowly up the steps to the plane without a mask, saying he felt good. Due to his illness, Biden canceled a speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization.
Biden faces increasing calls to withdraw from the election race. Nearly two dozen Democratic politicians, including California Congressman Adam Schiff, have urged him to step aside. Schiff praised Biden’s leadership but suggested it was time to let another Democrat step forward.
Reports from ABC News, the Washington Post, and Politico indicate that Schumer and Jeffries recently met with Biden, conveying concerns from other lawmakers about his impact on the upcoming elections.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates said Biden remains determined to win and work on his agenda. Schumer’s office dismissed the reports as speculation but acknowledged the meeting.
In an interview with BET, Biden mentioned he would consider dropping out if any of his doctors advised it due to a medical condition.
This news was reported by Courtney Subramanian of BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv2gj8314nqo