[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden was confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19 on the 21st (local time).
According to the White House, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated in a press release that President Biden tested positive that morning and currently has very mild symptoms. President Biden had received two vaccine doses followed by two booster shots but was unable to avoid the recent surge of COVID-19 in the United States.
President Biden's physician, Kevin O'Connor, explained that President Biden tested positive on an antigen test that morning and the diagnosis was confirmed through a PCR test. He also reported that since the previous evening, Biden has intermittently had a dry cough, a runny nose, and fatigue, but symptoms remain mild. First Lady Jill Biden tested negative.
Accordingly, President Biden will carry out his duties while isolated at the White House. The White House stated that he is conducting regular work through video conferences. However, concerns about a potential gap in governance due to isolation have been raised. President Biden canceled his scheduled visit to Pennsylvania, which was intended to emphasize additional legislation to address gun violence.
Particularly concerning is that President Biden, born in November 1942, is 79 years old by U.S. age standards, placing him in a high-risk group. As the oldest sitting president in U.S. history, he will turn 80 on November 20 this year. Given his advanced age and history of brain artery surgery and atrial fibrillation, there is a possibility of weakened immunity. President Biden is reported to be taking anticoagulants for heart disease prevention and Crestor, a medication for hyperlipidemia.
The White House announced it will provide email updates on the president's health status for transparency. However, they did not specify when or how President Biden was infected. Last week, he traveled to the Middle East, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. The day before, he visited Massachusetts to address climate change issues. The president's infection draws particular attention as it comes amid a surge in Omicron variants BA.5 and BA.4 cases in the U.S., indicating the severity of the spread.
With President Biden testing positive for COVID-19, the U.S. now has a record of two presidents, including former President Donald Trump, having been infected while in office. Former President Trump contracted COVID-19 on October 2, 2020, just one month before the presidential election.
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