Credits: Getty Image
President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 for the third time this week as the United States grapples with a summer surge in coronavirus cases. According to a statement from Biden’s physician, the president is experiencing mild symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough. Biden will self-isolate in Delaware and has begun treatment with Paxlovid, an oral antiviral medication used for COVID-19.
Dr. Perry N. Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, noted that Biden’s infection is not surprising given the current rise in cases. “Many people who I have spoken to in the last few weeks are infected,” Halkitis said. He endorsed Biden’s use of Paxlovid and emphasized the importance of its wider use, especially among older adults to prevent complications.
“It should be utilized more, particularly for people who are older who do not want to have any complications,” Halkitis added.
Biden’s diagnosis comes at a time when COVID-19 activity in the U.S. is deemed “high” on a national level, based on wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Several states, including Maryland, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, California, Oregon, and Nevada, are experiencing “very high” levels of viral activity.
The CDC’s latest weekly update highlighted the increasing trend: “Many areas of the country are experiencing consistent increases in COVID-19 activity. COVID-19 test positivity, emergency department visits, and rates of COVID-19–associated hospitalizations are increasing, particularly among adults 65+ and in western states.”
