WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden remains infected with COVID-19 while recovering from a “rebound” case linked to his use of the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
Kevin O’Connor, physician to the president, said in a letter Sunday that Biden “still feels good” but “not surprisingly” he tested positive again on Sunday for COVID-19.
Biden remains isolated in the White House.
Paxlovid is home antiviral therapy for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Biden, 79, was at risk because of her age. He has been vaccinated and boosted against the virus.
COVID ‘rebound’: President Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again in case of ‘rebound’
Biden, who first tested positive for COVID-19 on July 21, tested positive for COVID-19 again on Saturday morning after being cleared of the virus. He tested negative on Tuesday, Wednesday, which led to his first isolation period ending, and again on Thursday and Friday.
Some people who have received Paxlovid have had rebound infections of COVID-19, which can occur as soon as a few days after testing negative.
The president, who is receiving daily tests, plans to remain in isolation until he tests negative for COVID-19.
The president canceled trips he planned to take to his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday and to Hemlock, Michigan, on Tuesday, where he was scheduled to deliver remarks on the recently passed CHIPS and Science bill.
Plus: Paxlovid-treated people who have rebound COVID should self-isolate again for 5 days, CDC advises
The White House released a video Biden Sunday speaking virtually with supporters of legislation to provide care for veterans exposed to toxic combustion pits, which has stalled in the Senate due to Republican opposition.
“I had planned to stop by the Capitol and visit families fighting to pass burn pit legislation,” Biden said on Twitter. “COVID got in the way, so I FaceTimed them and sent them some pizza.
“It is our sacred obligation to care for our veterans. I will not stop fighting alongside them to get this bill passed.”
Contact Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden is still infected with COVID-19 in ‘rebound case’