First Lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, as confirmed by the White House on Monday.
This development comes just days before President Joe Biden, who tested negative for the virus, is set to travel to a Group of 20 (G20) summit in India.
Mrs. Biden, 72 years old, who reportedly experienced mild symptoms, had her previous bout with COVID-19 occurred in August last year. Also, President Biden, now 80 years old, last tested positive for the virus in July 2022.
Elizabeth Alexander, the First Lady’s communications director, stated, “This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.”
Meanwhile, President Biden returned to Washington alone from Delaware on Monday evening after First Lady tested positive.
“Following the First Lady’s positive test for COVID-19, President Biden was administered a COVID test this evening,” the White House said. “The President tested negative. The President will test at a regular cadence this week and monitor for symptoms.”
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The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Biden’s foreign travel could be affected.
However, President Biden’s official schedule for the week, released shortly after the First Lady’s diagnosis was announced, indicates his plans to travel to New Delhi on Thursday for the G20 summit.
He is also scheduled to fly to Hanoi on Sunday.
Biden is running for re-election in 2024 in a campaign in which the question of his age has loomed as a key issue for voters.
He is the oldest president to seek a second term, and some Republicans have said he is too old to be given another four years in the White House. Biden’s allies say he remains fit to serve as president.