President Joe Biden’s positive Covid-19 test result has disrupted a crucial campaign event aimed at garnering support from Latino voters during a pivotal moment in the election. Despite experiencing mild symptoms, the 81-year-old president is in good spirits and has received his first dose of the antiviral drug Paxlovid. He is fully vaccinated and boosted, and assured reporters in Las Vegas that he feels fine before boarding Air Force One to self-isolate at his Delaware residence.
Biden and his team have frequently emphasized his vitality on the campaign trail in an effort to assuage concerns within the Democratic Party. The UnidosUS event in Las Vegas was intended as a demonstration of his direct engagement with a diverse coalition, but was abruptly halted with the news of his positive Covid-19 test. UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía shared Biden’s disappointment with attendees, citing his recent participation in an interview and meeting voters at a local supermarket as possible sources of exposure.
The source of Biden’s infection remains unclear, but the diagnosis will keep him behind closed doors at a time when Democratic lawmakers are eager to see him in the public eye. According to the CDC guidelines, the infected person should isolate until they have been without a fever and improving symptoms for 24 hours, and should wear a mask for five days after. A White House official stated that Biden, who has previously experienced Covid-19 and managed through video calls, will likely continue engaging remotely.
Despite concerns about Biden’s viability as a candidate and the fear of him dragging down Democrats in down-ballot races, the White House and Biden’s campaign are in a new phase of receptiveness. The president’s recent debate performance and calls from some Democrats for him to step aside have raised anxiety within the party. However, multiple Democratic officials have noted that Biden seems more open to suggestions and is actively listening to discussions on Capitol Hill.
In light of Biden’s diagnosis, Vice President Kamala Harris will proceed with her scheduled campaign event in North Carolina. It is worth noting that Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month, although the vice president herself tested negative at the time.
Biden’s doctor’s note stated that he had upper respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose and non-productive cough, along with overall malaise. The note mentioned that the president had tested positive for Covid-19 in July 2022 and experienced a second case shortly after. He has since received multiple Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, the most recent being in September 2023.
As Covid-19 levels continue to rise across the country, according to the CDC, the impact on public health remains a significant concern. The increasing emergency visits for Covid-19 and high viral activity level in wastewater indicate the need for continued vigilance in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.