High risk, US President Joe Biden positive for COVID

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – US President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms according to the White House.  Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made the announcement early, last Thursday morning. 

Biden has been boosted twice and has begun taking Pfizer’s paxlovid to combat the disease. The 79 year old will continue to work fully and have meetings via zoom and over the phone as he isolates in the White House.

“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.  Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work.” Jean-Pierre said.

Biden is in the highest risk category for covid19 because of his age. The CDC says more than 81 percent of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. The agency says the elderly are more likely to get very sick, be hospitalized, need intensive care, require a ventilator to help them breathe or die.

The White House has promised daily updates on the President’s condition ‘for transparency’ and noted that his close contacts would be informed throughout the day.