The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has tested positive for Covid-19, the White House said in a statement Thursday.
Biden, who is fully vaccinated, is experiencing very mild symptoms.
According to the statement, Biden has received two boosters against Covid-19. The US President has started taking Paxlovid, an antiviral therapy that consists of two separate medications packaged together.
Biden will isolate himself at the White House, consistent with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He will continue carrying out his duties fully during that time, the statement said.
Biden was in contact with members of the White House staff by phone Thursday morning. He will participate in his planned meetings at the White House on Thursday via phone and Zoom from the residence.
The White House protocol for positive Covid-19 cases goes above and beyond the CDC guidelines. Consistent with the White House protocol, Biden will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. The President will return to in-person work once he tests negative.
The White House will provide a daily update on Biden's status, the statement said.
The White House, as per standard protocol for any positive case at the official residence of the POTUS, will inform all close contacts of the President during the day on Thursday. These include any Congress members and also members of the press who interacted with Biden the previous day.
Biden also underwent a Covid-19 test on Tuesday, but it showed a negative result.