US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid during a campaign trip to Las Vegas and is suffering from mild symptoms, the White House said.
"I feel fine," the 81-year-old Biden said, giving reporters a thumbs-up as he slipped out of his limousine, dubbed "The Beast," before boarding Air Force One to head to isolation at his beach home in Rehoboth, Delaware.
The announcement came minutes after the head of a Latino labor union said Biden had called to apologize for no longer being able to speak to members because he had been diagnosed.
It also comes at a time when Biden is under mounting pressure to drop his re-election bid against Donald Trump after his disastrous debate performance raised concerns about his age and health.
"Earlier today, after his first event in Las Vegas, President Biden tested positive for Covid-19," spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
"He has been vaccinated and fortified and is experiencing mild symptoms. He will return to Delaware where he will self-isolate and continue to perform all of his duties to the fullest during this time."
Biden's doctor said he was suffering from a runny nose and "non-productive cough" along with "general malaise," the White House said in an accompanying memo.
He is currently receiving Covid's drug Paxlovide, the note added.
"His symptoms remain mild, his respiratory rate is normal - 16, his temperature is normal - 97.8, and his pulse oximetry is normal - 97 percent," the release added.
Janet Murguia, president of the Unidos union, told attendees of the diagnosis shortly before the White House announcement.
"I just got off the phone with President Biden and he shared his deep disappointment that he could not join us this afternoon," she said.
"The president has been to many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for Kovid. So, of course, we understand that he needs to take the precautions that have been recommended." | BGNES
