Biden Takes His First Trip Since Infection

President goes to Delaware, his first time away from the White House since latest COVID infection
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 7, 2022 11:30 AM CDT
Biden Ends His Personal Lockdown
President Biden steps off Marine One at Cape Henlopen State Park in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Sunday.   (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Ending his most recent COVID-19 isolation, President Joe Biden on Sunday left the White House for the first time since becoming infected with the coronavirus last month, settling in for a reunion with first lady Jill Biden in their home state of Delaware. The president tested negative Saturday and Sunday, his doctor said, clearing the way for him to emerge from an isolation that lasted longer than expected because of a rebound case of the virus, the AP reports. "He will safety return to public engagement and presidential travel," Dr. Kevin O'Connor wrote.

"I'm feeling great," Biden said before boarding Marine One outside the White House. The Bidens planned to spend the day in Rehoboth Beach. Biden first tested positive on July 21, and he began taking the antiviral medication Paxlovid, intended to decrease the likelihood of serious illness. His doctor said that Biden's vital signs remained normal throughout his infection and that symptoms included a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and body aches. After isolating for several days, Biden tested negative on July 26 and July 27, when he gave a speech in the Rose Garden, telling Americans they can "live without fear" of the virus if they get booster shots, test themselves for the virus if they become sick and seek treatments.

But Biden caught a rare rebound case of COVID-19 on July 30, forcing him to isolate again. He occasionally gave speeches from a White House balcony, such as when he marked the killing of an al-Qaida leader and a strong jobs report. He continued to test positive until Saturday, when he received his first negative result. While the president was isolating in the White House residence, the first lady remained in Delaware. The Bidens are scheduled to visit Kentucky on Monday, per the AP, to view flood damage and meet with families.

(More President Biden stories.)

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