Washington — President Biden tested negative for COVID-19 twice and will end his isolation at the White House Wednesday, physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor said. The president appeared in person for the first time since his diagnosis on Wednesday, making brief remarks in the White House Rose Garden.
The president said he is “feeling great,” and carried out his duties as president “without any interruption” from the White House residence.
“I’ve just tested negative for COVID-19 after isolating for vive days,” the president said to cheers from his staff. “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.”
Mr. Biden’s two negative tests — the first on Tuesday evening and the second Wednesday morning — come after he tested positive for COVID-19 last week and began a course of Paxlovid, an antiviral drug. O’Connor said in a letter released by the White House that the president completed his five-day course of the treatment 36 hours ago and completed five full days of isolation as of Wednesday morning.
“Back to the Oval. Thanks to Doc for the good care, and to all of you for your support,” Mr. Biden tweeted, with a photo of his negative at-home test.
Mr. Biden continues to be fever-free and he has stopped taking Tylenol, the White House doctor said. While he is ending his isolation, the president will continue to wear a mask for 10 full days when he is around other people.
“His symptoms have been steadily improving, and are almost completely resolved,” O’Connor continued.
After testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, the president remained in the residence of the White House.
It’s unclear whether the president will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to avoid travel for 10 days after a positive test. The health agency’s guidance advises those who have tested positive to “not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.” The president had to postpone travel plans when he tested positive last week.
On Tuesday, Mr. Biden was feeling well enough to continue his exercise regimen, O’Connor said.
The president is scheduled to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, a source familiar with the call tells CBS News.
Kristin Brown contributed to this report.
