Washington: In a recent announcement, the White House revealed that US First Lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. President Joe Biden, however, has tested negative for the virus. The news underscores the ongoing presence of COVID-19 even as vaccination efforts and booster shots have been rolled out.
Jill Biden, aged 72, is reportedly experiencing "only mild symptoms," according to her office. She will be isolating at the couple's residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. This isn't her first encounter with the virus; she previously tested positive for COVID-19 in August of the preceding year.
President Biden, who is 80 years old, was administered a COVID test on Monday evening and the results came back negative, as confirmed by the White House. He will continue with regular testing and closely monitor for any signs of symptoms.
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The White House stated that Jill Biden's positive test result was due to exposure to an individual who subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. It is noteworthy that the first lady is fully vaccinated and has received booster shots. She is now following the recommended course of treatment.
This diagnosis comes just ahead of President Biden's scheduled trip to India for a Group of 20 (G20) summit, creating uncertainty about whether the trip will proceed as planned.
The White House has conveyed that President Biden is "fully committed" to attending the summit but will carefully assess the situation based on the latest medical advice.
Jill Biden's positive test serves as a reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Nonetheless, the fact that she is experiencing only mild symptoms underscores the effectiveness of vaccines and booster shots in reducing the severity of the illness.
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The White House has assured that updates regarding the first lady's condition will continue to be provided. The situation highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance, vaccination efforts, and adherence to public health guidelines to curb the spread of the virus and protect individuals, particularly as new variants emerge and the world navigates through the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.