Biden Makes First Comment Following COVID-19 Diagnosis

President Joe Biden issued his first comment after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier on Thursday, saying he’s doing “fine” and “keeping busy.”

“Folks, I’m doing great. Thanks for your concern. Just called Senator Casey, Congressman Cartwright, and Mayor Cognetti (and my Scranton cousins!) to send my regrets for missing our event today. Keeping busy!” he wrote on Twitter.

Later, Biden’s account posted a video showing the 79-year-old president speaking at the White House. “Hey folks, I guess you heard,” he stated. “This morning I tested positive for COVID.”

Biden, who has received four COVID-19 vaccine doses, noted that he was “double vaccinated” and “double boosted.”

“Symptoms are mild. And I really appreciate your inquiries and concerns. But I’m doing well, getting a lot of work done. Going to continue to get it done,” he added.

It’s the first confirmed time that Biden has contracted the virus. Because of the president’s advanced age, he is considered to be in the at-risk group in terms of developing severe COVID-19.

“Consistent with [Centers for Disease Control] guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “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.”

Treatment and Vaccines

The White House said that Biden is taking the Pfizer-made drug Paxlovid, which health officials said earlier this year can cause a relapse of COVID-19 symptoms even after a negative test is returned.

White House COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci contracted the virus and later confirmed he was taking the same drug, Paxlovid, before suffering a return of symptoms after testing

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