US President Joe Biden tests positive for Covid

By Our Special Correspondent

Joe Biden, the oldest person to serve as president of the United States, has tested positive for Covid-19, is experiencing mild symptoms and will continue to work but will be in isolation, the White House said Thursday.

Biden, 79, had a runny nose, fatigue and an occasional dry cough that he began experiencing late Wednesday, White House physician Kevin O'Connor said in a note released publicly Thursday. Biden has started taking the antiviral treatment paxlovide, O'Connor said.

"He is fully vaccinated and boosted twice and is experiencing very mild symptoms," press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"In accordance with CDC guidelines, he will remain in isolation at the White House and will continue to perform all of his duties in full during that time," she said, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The White House provides a daily update on the president's health, Jean-Pierre said.