President Joe Biden's scheduled appearance at the Unidos US Convention in Las Vegas was abruptly cancelled Wednesday after he tested positive for COVID-19. Despite the diagnosis, the President did not require hospital treatment and instead headed to Delaware to begin self-isolation. "I'm happy that commander-in-chief is safe and doing well," Mason Van Houweling, CEO of the University Medical Center, told News3LV. The hospital, being the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Nevada, was fully prepared to handle an emergency involving the president, with measures in place to secure the area rapidly, according to News3LV.
The White House announced that President Biden is experiencing "mild symptoms" which include "general malaise," according to Associated Press. His symptoms were further described as an upper respiratory ailment with a runny nose and cough. Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, has administered Paxlovid as an early treatment. Biden, who is 81, had planned a long weekend at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, even before the diagnosis upended his travel and work schedule.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Biden's health, following concerns expressed after a debate performance. The president had been actively campaigning, looking to rally Hispanic voters before the November elections. His presence at the UnidosUS event was part of this strategy, but he instead assured reporters upon boarding Air Force One, "I feel good," signaling a continuation of his duties while isolating. Prior to his diagnosis, Biden had been at a local Las Vegas restaurant, greeting patrons and participating in a media interview, as mentioned by Associated Press.
The effectiveness of vaccines and Paxlovid, the antiviral drug Biden is taking, has been underscored in managing symptoms and reducing severe outcomes. Biden, having been fully vaccinated and boosted, reflects the current medical guidance and protocols. Despite his earlier bouts with the virus in the summer of 2022, health officials continue to track an increase in COVID-19 cases, with the southwestern U.S. being particularly affected. Hospitals, such as University Medical Center, have plans to address any sudden needs of community leaders and citizens alike during this persistent phase of the pandemic.
