President Biden Tests Positive for Covid-19
Jane Molepo 
President Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, a development that disrupted a key campaign event aimed at shoring up support among Latino voters at a critical juncture in the election.
Biden, 81, who is experiencing mild symptoms, has received his first dose of the antiviral drug Paxlovid, according to his doctor.
“I feel good,” Biden told reporters Wednesday in Las Vegas, flashing a thumbs-up before boarding Air Force One to head to his Delaware residence. The president, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, will self-isolate there in line with US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
Biden and his aides have repeatedly cited recent stops on the campaign trail as a demonstration of his vigor as the presumptive Democratic nominee, an attempt to tamp down growing anxieties within the party. Wednesday’s event in Las Vegas – where he was expected to speak at the UnidosUS annual conference – was billed as an example of that direct engagement, in this case with a diverse coalition.
The positive test result comes at a time when Biden's campaign efforts are intensifying, and the need to connect with Latino voters is increasingly crucial. The UnidosUS annual conference was set to provide a platform for Biden to directly address issues pertinent to the Latino community and solidify his standing among this vital voter demographic.
As the president isolates, his campaign will need to adapt to maintain momentum. Virtual appearances and remote engagements may become more prominent as Biden navigates his recovery and continues to reach out to voters.
Biden’s diagnosis underscores the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19, even as the country continues to navigate the pandemic's evolving landscape. The president’s swift move to isolate and begin treatment highlights the precautions still necessary to manage the virus's impact.
The coming days will likely see a flurry of activity from Biden's campaign team as they work to reschedule and adapt planned events. The president's health and ability to campaign effectively will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents as the election season progresses.
