Biden’s COVID-19 Symptoms Continue to Improve, Doctor Says

The president has the KP .2.3 variant of COVID-19, which has become the dominant strain in the United States in recent weeks.

White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor released a new letter on July 20 providing a medical update on President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 symptoms after the president tested positive for the virus three days prior.

Mr. O’Connor said the president took his sixth dose of Paxlovid on Saturday morning.

“He is still experiencing a loose, nonproductive cough and hoarseness, but his symptoms continue to improve steadily,” he said in the letter.

“His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear.”

Mr. O’Connor disclosed that the president has encountered the KP .2.3 variant of COVID-19, which has become the dominant strain in the United States in recent weeks.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the KP .2.3 variant accounts for approximately 33.3 percent of new infections in the United States,” the doctor said.

President Biden tested positive for the virus on July 17 in Las Vegas while traveling for campaign events. He canceled his events and returned to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to self-isolate during recovery the same day.

“The President continues to tolerate treatment well and will continue PAXLOVID as planned,” his doctor said. “He continues to perform all of his presidential duties. I will continue to keep your office updated with any changes in his condition or treatment plan.”

According to the White House, President Biden spoke on Saturday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to congratulate her on her reelection.

He also received a briefing on developments in the Middle East from Jon Finer, assistant to the president and principal deputy national security adviser, the White House said.

President Biden said in a statement on Friday that he plans to resume campaigning next week after recovery.

President Biden is also expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 22 to discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip.

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan affirmed the meeting plans during an interview with the Aspen Security Forum on July 19.

Mr. Netanyahu is slated to address a joint session of Congress on July 24.

Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.