US President Joe Biden is still positive for COVID-19 but remained “well” as of Sunday morning, his personal physician said in a letter released by the White House.
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The 79-year-old president’s antigen test “remained unsurprisingly positive this morning,” wrote Dr. Kevin O’Connor, calling it a “bounce back” of positivity that can occur in people being treated with Paxlovid, Pfizer’s anti-COVID pill.
“The President continues to feel good,” he added. He continues to apply “strict containment measures”.
Mr Biden, the oldest president ever elected in the United States, had tested positive with “very mild symptoms” on July 21 and was released from custody on Wednesday after testing negative.
But he had tested positive again on Saturday, prompting him to return to solitary confinement at the White House. Resumption of treatment was not considered reasonable.
The President, who is fully vaccinated and has received two booster doses, “continues to conduct American business from the residence,” noted Dr. O’Connor.
Paxlovid is an antiviral drug that reduces the virus’ ability to replicate, slowing the progression of the disease. It must be taken within the first few days after the symptoms seem to take effect.
It is recommended in the United States for people at risk of developing a severe case of the disease, a category that the American president falls into because of his age.