By IDSE News Staff
President Joe Biden tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by both an antigen test and a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction test, according to his physician, Kevin C. O’Connor, DO, FAAFP.
In a letter, Dr. O’Connor said the president is experiencing mild symptoms, primarily rhinorrhea, fatigue and a dry cough. The symptoms began yesterday.
Dr. O’Connor prescribed nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid Pfizer), an oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. He reminded the American public that the president is fully vaccinated—two doses and two boosters, “so I anticipate that he will respond favorable, as most maximally protected patients do.
“Early use of Paxlovid provides additional protection against severe disease,” Dr. O’Connor said.
The president will isolate as recommended by the CDC, but will continue working from the White House residence, according to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence,” she said, adding that he will continue to isolate until he tests negative.
“Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the president during the day today, including any members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the president during yesterday’s travel,” Ms. Jean-Pierre said. He tested negative on Tuesday.
