President Biden ends isolation after COVID test comes back negative

President Joe Biden has completed his period of isolation after his most recent Covid-19 test came back as negative.

In Biden’s first public appearance since his 5 days in isolation, he spoke about the positive impact of vaccines and said they contributed to him only receiving mild Covid symptoms.

Biden tweeted a picture of his Covid test and also thanked his medical staff: “Back to the Oval. Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support.”

Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, stated in a letter that Biden underwent a 5-day course of the antiviral drug Paxlovid, which reduces the severity of any Covid symptoms. Biden has also ended his cycle of Tylenol, which is largely used to treat fevers. “His symptoms have been steadily improving, and are almost completely resolved,” O’Connor added.

As reported by The Associated Press, Biden made an appearance in the White House’s Rose Garden and told the press that he was “feeling great.” Biden also said that he will now continue his Presidential duties “without interruption.”

“I’ve just tested negative for COVID-19 after isolating for five days,” the president said. “Thankfully, I’ll now be able to turn to work in person, but I want to thank you all for your well wishes, your prayers over this past week, and the calls I’ve gotten. I also want to thank the medical team here at the White House for the incredible care they gave me.” 

Biden also praised the medication and support he received when comparing his Covid experience to that of Donald Trump. “When my predecessor got COVID, he had to get helicoptered to Walter Reed Medical Center,” Biden said. “He was severely ill. Thankfully, he recovered. When I got COVID, I worked from upstairs of the White House in the offices upstairs for the five-day period.”

He added, “The difference is vaccinations, of course, but also three new tools, free to all and widely available. You don’t need to be president to get these tools to use for your defense. In fact, the same booster shots, the same at-home tests, the same treatment that I got is available to you.”

Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive in April. First Lady Jill Biden has not yet tested positive for Covid.