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Biden Again Tests Positive for COVID, Has A Cough: White House Doctor Says

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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.


President Joe Biden is continuing to struggle with COVID-19, according to his administration.

The president has tested positive for the virus a third time, while the White House physician also noted that Biden has now developed a cough.

Late last month, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s doctor, noted that the president had recovered following his initial diagnosis. But in a memorandum issued on Wednesday, O’Connor said he had once again tested positive for the virus.

He wrote that Biden is “still experiencing an occasional cough, but less frequently than yesterday,” as reported by the Western Journal.

“He remains fever-free and in good spirits. His temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation remain entirely normal,” O’Connor wrote in his memo. “His lungs remain clear.”

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“Given his rebound positivity which we reported Saturday, we continued daily monitoring. This morning, his SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing remained positive,” the doctor noted further.

He added that Biden will “continue to conduct the business of the American people from the Executive Residence.”

O’Connor also noted that Biden managed a “light workout” as well and that he will continue to quarantine and observe “strict isolation” in the White House.

The Hill adds:

Wednesday was the fifth day in a row that Biden tested positive for the coronavirus in what his doctor described as a “rebound” infection that has been seen in some patients who take the antiviral treatment Paxlovid.  

Biden was first diagnosed with COVID-19 on July 21. After completing his five-day course of Paxlovid and experiencing only mild symptoms, Biden reemerged from isolation last week only to test positive again on Saturday.  

The events have complicated Biden’s schedule, forcing him to cancel a planned trip to Michigan on Tuesday that he instead participated in virtually. Biden will virtually convene an interagency task force on reproductive rights on Wednesday afternoon and sign an executive order aimed at supporting people who travel out of state for abortions. 

Biden tested positive for a second time earlier this week, taking to Twitter to make the announcement.

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“Folks, today I tested positive for COVID again. This happens with a small minority of folks. I’ve got no symptoms but I am going to isolate for the safety of everyone around me. I’m still at work, and will be back on the road soon,” he said.

“As described last week, acknowledging the potential for so-called “rebound” COVID positivity observed in a small percentage of patients treated with PAXLOVID the President increased his testing cadence, both to protect people around him and to assure early detection of any return of viral replication,” O’Connor wrote at the time.

Less than two weeks earlier, the White House announced Biden had tested positive for COVID the first time.

“I talked to him just a few minutes ago. He’s doing fine, he’s feeling good,” the first lady said of her husband.

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The first lady has tested negative for COVID after the president tested positive, Fox News reported.

“This morning, President Biden tested positive for COVID-19,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “He is fully vaccinated and twice boosted and experiencing very mild symptoms.  He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.  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.”

“Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative,” she said. “Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work.”

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