Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, stated Thursday that it didn’t matter from where President Biden contracted COVID-19 and that it was not important that he be fully vaccinated. The White House reported that Biden was positive for COVID-19 on Thursday morning. He is currently experiencing mild symptoms such as a runny nose and dry cough, along with fatigue.
Reporters asked Dr. Ashish Jha (White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator), where Biden might have contracted the virus during a briefing. Jean-Pierre intervened to clarify that it wasn’t important after Jha stated he didn’t know.
President Obama has started treatment with Paxlovid. It is currently approved for “mild to moderate COVID-19.” According to the FDA, the antiviral drug has been shown to reduce the worst side effects of the disease. It also showed positive results in direct viral testing of patients at high risk for developing severe COVID-19.
The White House stated that Biden had a negative result on Tuesday from his last COVID-19 test.
This announcement was made one day after Biden had traveled to Massachusetts on Air Force One with high-ranking administration officials and Massachusetts senators. Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Reps. Jake Auchincloss & Bill Keating.
Later, President Biden’s official Twitter account tweeted a photo showing him at his desk holding a pen and looking out over some papers. Jill Biden, first lady, told reporters that she had tested negative for COVID-19. She will continue with her schedule as per CDC guidelines.
