Jill Biden has been on holiday in South Carolina with her husband since 10 August, and began experiencing COVID symptoms on Monday. Joe Biden has already had the infection and fully recovered after suffering a rebound case.
Tuesday 16 August 2022 17:02, UK
US First Lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID, the White House has said.
The 71-year-old had tested negative on Monday during a regular testing session, but developed cold-like symptoms that evening.
She tested negative on a rapid antigen test before a PCR test came back positive.
Spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander said that, like husband Joe Biden, the first lady has had two vaccinations and two booster jabs against the disease.
She is experiencing mild symptoms and has been prescribed the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
Mr and Mrs Biden are on holiday in South Carolina. She will isolate there for at least five days, the White House said, and will return home after two consecutive negative tests.
Mr Biden caught the virus last month, but experienced a rebound case days after testing negative, which required a second period of self-isolation.
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The president was also given Paxlovid, which can reduce hospitalisation and death among patients by 90% if administered within five days of symptoms appearing.
But it is also associated with a higher incidence of rebound infections, where patients test positive again days after the drug has helped them clear the initial infection.
Mr Biden tested negative on Tuesday, the White House said, but will wear a face mask indoors for 10 days, in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
He has returned to work.
© 2022 Sky UK

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