"BA.5 Gamyeokdoen Deut" US Biden, COVID-19 Confirmed for Three Days, Improving

President Joe Biden of the United States holding a virtual meeting with his economic team advisors on the 22nd (local time) after testing positive for COVID-19. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the third day since U.S. President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on the 23rd (local time), his physician reported that his symptoms continue to improve. It appears most likely that the virus infecting President Biden is the Omicron subvariant BA.5.

According to the Washington Post (WP) and others, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, President Biden's physician, stated in a medical report released to the media that his pulse, blood pressure, and breathing are normal, and his oxygen saturation and lung condition are good. He added that President Biden is experiencing symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, dry cough, and body aches, and will continue the prescribed treatment with the antiviral Paxlovid as planned.

Dr. O'Connor also mentioned that preliminary sequencing results of the virus infecting President Biden indicate it is most likely the Omicron subvariant BA.5. BA.5 currently accounts for 75 to 80% of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Dr. O'Connor noted that BA.5 is particularly highly contagious and that President Biden will maintain isolation in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 during a routine test on the morning of the 21st. He is the second U.S. president to test positive after former President Donald Trump.

At 79 years old, President Biden is considered high-risk due to his age, but the White House stated that he is experiencing very mild symptoms such as runny nose, fatigue, and intermittent dry cough, and is working while in isolation. At the time, President Biden posted a 21-second video saying "I am doing well" to alleviate health concerns, and on the 22nd, briefly broadcast a live video of a virtual meeting with his economic team aides.

President Biden has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and two booster shots. The White House announced that President Biden will remain in isolation for five days from the date of his positive test and will return to in-person duties after testing negative.