US President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, leading him to cancel his public appearances in Las Vegas and isolate in Delaware, the White House announced on Wednesday.

Biden’s Symptoms and Diagnosis

Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, reported that the President displayed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and general malaise. Despite feeling well enough to attend his first event of the day, Biden’s condition did not improve, prompting a COVID-19 test that returned positive results.

Vaccination Status and Treatment

The White House highlighted that Biden, who is vaccinated and has received booster shots, is experiencing only mild symptoms. He has already started his first dose of Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19.

Impact on Scheduled Appearances

Biden was slated to speak at the UnidosUS conference on Wednesday, but the event was canceled. The President’s positive test and subsequent isolation underscore ongoing concerns about his health, particularly among political opponents.

Political Ramifications

Republicans have frequently questioned the 81-year-old President’s physical and mental fitness for office. His performance during a recent CNN-hosted debate with former President Donald Trump and a speech at the NAACP convention, where he struggled to complete sentences even with a teleprompter, have fueled these concerns.

Biden’s Response to Health Concerns

In an interview with BET News earlier this week, Biden addressed questions about his potential withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, stating he would reconsider if he developed a significant medical condition.

Previous COVID-19 Infections

This marks the third time President Biden has contracted COVID-19. His first infection occurred on July 21, 2022, followed by a rebound case less than two weeks later. According to the White House, Biden will now return to Delaware to self-isolate while continuing to fulfill his presidential duties.