Biden to end isolation after testing negative for COVID

Joe Biden, president of the United States of America, has tested negative for COVID — six days after testing positive.

Biden had tested positive for COVID on July 21 and was said to have been experiencing “mild symptoms”.

According to a statement by Karine Jean-Pierre, white house press secretary, Biden, who is fully vaccinated and twice boosted, had isolated at the White House while continuing to carry out his duties.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kevin O’Connor, physician to the US president, said Biden will continue to wear a mask while interacting with others at the White House for the next 10 days. 

“President Biden completed his five-day course of PAXLOVID 36 hours ago. As of this morning, he has completed five full days of isolation. He remains fever-free and he discontinued use of any acetaminophen (TYLENOL) for the past 36 hours. His symptoms have been steadily improving, and are almost completely resolved,” the statement reads.

“Yesterday evening, and then again, this morning, he tested NEGATIVE for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by antigen testing. Given these reassuring factors, the President will discontinue his strict isolation measures.

“As I’ve stated previously, the President continues to be very specifically conscientious to protect any of the Executive Residence, White House, Secret Service and other staff whose duties require any (albeit socially distanced) proximity to him. For this reason, he will wear a well-fitting mask for 10 full days any time he is around others.

“Acknowledging the potential for so-called “rebound” COVID positivity observed in a small percentage of patients treated with PAXLOVID, the President will increase his testing cadence, both to protect people around him and to assure early detection of any return of viral replication.”

Taking to Twitter, the US president posted a picture of a negative COVID test and wrote: “Back to the Oval. Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support.”

Back to the Oval.

Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support. pic.twitter.com/Cfzn1zAKJF

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— President Biden (@POTUS) July 27, 2022

Biden is scheduled to speak to journalists at the White House on Wednesday — it will be his first public appearance since contracting COVID.