NEW YORK – President Joe Biden said he was “doing great” after testing positive for Covid at the age of 79, vowing to continue to work while isolating at the White House with only mild symptoms.
Biden’s personal physician Kevin O’Connor wrote in an official note that the US president was experiencing fatigue, a runny nose and an occasional dry cough, starting on Wednesday evening.
In a series of posts crafted to show he remains at the country’s helm, Biden tweeted a picture of himself working at his desk saying “I am doing great,” and a short video clip filmed on a White House balcony.
“Hey folks, I guess you heard this morning I tested positive for Covid,” said the president, wearing a blazer, no tie and the hint of a smile.
“Symptoms are mild, I really appreciate all your inquiries and concern… it’s going to be OK,” he added according to AFP.
Announcing the diagnosis, the White House stressed that the president was fully vaccinated and twice boosted. It said Biden was taking Pfizer’s Paxlovid pill, an antiviral used to minimize the severity of Covid-19.
“Consistent with CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” it added.
The president tested positive in a rapid antigen test Thursday before the result was confirmed by a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
