White House Physician Provides Update on Biden’s COVID Symptoms

Dr. Kevin O‘Connor said the president’s symptoms have ’improved meaningfully' from the day prior.

President Joe Biden boards Air Force One as he departs Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 17, 2024, en route to Delaware. Kent Nishimura/AFP via Getty Images

White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor released a letter on July 19 providing a medical update on President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 symptoms after the president tested positive for the virus two days prior.

“President Biden completed his fourth dose of PAXLOVID this morning. His loose, non­productive cough and hoarseness continue to be his primary symptoms, but they have improved meaningfully from yesterday.

“His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature remain absolutely normal,” Dr. O'Connor wrote.

The physician added that President Biden’s oxygen saturation “continues to be excellent on room air” and his “lungs remain clear.”

President Biden tested positive for the virus on July 17 prior to a planned speech at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in Las Vegas. He canceled all remaining events and returned to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to self-isolate during recovery the same day.

This is Mr. O'Connor’s second letter providing an update on the president’s COVID-19 symptoms. In his first letter, dated July 18, he confirmed that the president was experiencing a fever with mild symptoms and receiving Paxlovid.

“The President continues to tolerate treatment well. We will continue PAXLOVID as planned,” Dr. O'Connor wrote in the second letter. “In the meantime, the President continues to do the work of the American people.”

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“As promised, I will keep your office updated with any changes in his condition or treatment plan.”

Dr. O'Connor said President Biden’s Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test confirmed he has COVID-19, but the variant identification is “still pending.” The president’s bloodwork and Complete Blood Count are normal, the physician added, and he is “demonstrating no anemia or evidence of bacterial infection.”

A comprehensive metabolic panel showed normal electrolyte levels, as well as good kidney and liver function, Dr. O'Connor said.

President Biden said in a statement earlier today that he will resume campaigning next week after recovery.

“I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week to continue exposing the threat of Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda while making the case for my own record and the vision that I have for America: one where we save our democracy, protect our rights and freedoms, and create opportunity for everyone,” the president said in a statement issued by his campaign.

“The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win,” he added.