JTFMax:

President Biden posted a video on Twitter from the White House portico of himself testing positive for the Covid-19 virus. He reassured Americans that his symptoms were not severe and he would be working remotely from the White House. Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced, adding that he is "experiencing very mild symptoms." Jean-Pierre noted that Biden is "fully vaccinated and twice boosted" and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral medication produced by PfizerCovid-19, also known as omicron subvariant BA.5, is highly contagious and has already spread throughout the United States. Every day, about 100,000 people are infected with it.

The current CDC reports show that COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing nationwide. This is mainly due to a newly emerged variant of the virus known as BA.5 that is extremely difficult to protect against and can even overcome previous immunity. This makes it particularly dangerous for people over 65. Getting two booster shots will further boost the virus's immunity and thus lower the risk of catching it.

Even though President Joe Biden is in isolation with very mild symptoms, the White House still carries out its daily duties. It has followed the protocol that goes above and beyond the CDC's guidelines. Vice President Kamala Harris will stay home for five days before returning to her regular work schedule. On Thursday morning, a White House spokesperson said Biden was not feverish but had a cough and runny nose. He also reported being fatigued. 

Biden is not alone, however: other top officials from the White House have been diagnosed with the disease. The President was shaking hands on Air Force One in early July. During his stay in the Middle East, he attended church on Sunday, welcomed the first lady of Ukraine to Washington, and held a climate change event in Boston on Tuesday. Biden is the second US president to catch Covid-19 after Donald Trump fell ill with the disease in October 2020. Trump attributed his recovery from the virus to monoclonal antibody treatment.

Biden will perform his presidential duties by phone and attend meetings virtually, the White House stated. However, he will remain in isolation until he tests negative.

The White House is in the process of contacting Mr. Biden's close associates and advising them to follow the recommendations of the CDC. In addition, the White House said it would notify lawmakers, media outlets, and other close associates of the vice president. It called one member of Congress on Thursday and said he should follow the advice of the CDC.