President Joe Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19, Cancels Las Vegas Speech

On July 17, 2024, President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and had to cancel his scheduled speech at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in Las Vegas. The news was announced by UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, who expressed the President’s deep disappointment at not being able to join the event.

According to the White House, President Biden is “vaccinated and boosted and is experiencing mild symptoms.” He was prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid and has taken his first dose. His physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, reported that the President presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and non-productive cough, along with general malaise.

Biden was expected to address the Latino advocacy organization, which had gathered more than 1,500 leaders and advocates in Nevada, a crucial swing state in the upcoming presidential election. The President’s diagnosis comes amid concerns about his health and stamina following a debate with former President Donald Trump that sparked calls from some Democrats for him to withdraw from the presidential race.

The President’s positive COVID-19 test also led to speculation about his ability to continue campaigning. However, Biden has resisted these calls, emphasizing his commitment to running for reelection.

The White House has assured that Biden will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during his self-isolation in Delaware. Regular updates on the President’s status will be provided as he continues to work from home.

This is not the first time President Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. He previously tested positive twice in the summer of 2022, with a primary case and a rebound case of the virus.

The vaccines have been proven highly effective at limiting serious illness and death from the virus, which has claimed the lives of over 1 million people in the U.S. since the pandemic began in 2020.