uS President Joe Biden has to go back into domestic isolation. A few days after the end of his corona isolation, an antigen test on Saturday morning (local time) was positive again, as his doctor Kevin O’Connor said in a letter published by the White House. According to the information, the 79-year-old had previously tested negative for several days.
The US President appeared calm on Saturday. He wrote on Twitter: “Guys today I tested positive for Covid again. That happens to a small minority of people. I have no symptoms, but I will isolate for the safety of everyone around me.” Biden also posted a video showing him with his dog, Commander, on a White House balcony. He will work from home for the next few days, he feels good; he and “Commander” would have a little something to do, Biden joked.
Possible relapse after Paxlovid treatment
According to his doctor, the President has no symptoms. Biden continues to feel pretty good, O’Connor said. The doctor explained that such a “relapse” – the so-called rebound effect – has been observed in rare cases in patients treated with the Covid drug Paxlovid. Developments are being monitored closely, but the drug is currently not being administered again. The White House said two scheduled trips to Wilmington and the US state of Michigan had been canceled. The 79-year-old will isolate himself until his tests are negative again.
According to the White House, Biden was infected with the corona virus on Thursday last week. He had spent five days in isolation and was treated with Paxlovid during that time, according to the doctor. Biden kept his appointments by video and telephone. O’Connor had described the course as mild. On Wednesday, it was said that Biden would continue to be “particularly conscientious” to protect employees close to him. Biden had returned to the Oval Office that day. Speaking in the White House garden, Biden said: “My symptoms were mild. I recovered quickly and I’m fine.”
Biden is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and boosted twice. He is the oldest president the United States has ever had. A medical examination last November found him “fit” to hold office.
