United States President Joe Biden tested negative for covid this Saturday, but later received a positive result indicating a rebound of the illness after a week. He will continue to isolate until a second test confirms recovery.
The president’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, stated that Biden remains in good spirits and that the isolation order is being kept in place to err on the side of safety. The message came through a letter distributed by the White House stressing that extra precautions are prudent.
The White House had previously announced on July 21 that Biden had contracted the virus and that he would exit isolation after testing negative on July 27.
However, on July 30 Biden again tested positive. The White House attributed the recurrence to the rebound effect sometimes observed after completing a course of Paxlovid, an oral antiviral medication Biden took for five days to help manage symptoms, according to O’Connor.
The doctor explained that the rebound effect can occur as the body continues to respond to the infection after the antiviral treatment ends, which may lead to a renewed positive result in some individuals.
Biden is expected to travel to Kentucky on Monday with First Lady Jill Biden to oversee emergency response efforts and to offer support to families affected by recent flooding that has left dozens dead and hundreds missing.
Observers note that the president’s health history remains closely watched as part of ongoing public discussions about leadership, continuity of government, and the response to natural disasters in the United States. The administration continues to provide regular updates on the president’s condition and travel plans as circumstances allow.