On a few occasions following the White House’s announcement that he had tested positive for COVID-19, President Joe Biden appeared in public without donning a face mask. While the president’s physician stated that Biden would self-isolate “in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals,” the White House reported that the Democratic incumbent was exhibiting “mild” symptoms.
What’s said in the CDC guidance? The White House says what?
Following the announcement on Wednesday, Biden boarded Air Force One and exited bare-faced from the motorcade at the airport in Las Vegas, where he had made multiple appearances. When he got off the plane hours later at Delaware’s Dover Air Force Base, he was apparently not wearing a mask, which medical professionals have stated can help reduce the transmission of disease. On both ends of the trip, Biden was flanked by Secret Service aides and agents.
In the statement made on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden, 81, was exhibiting “mild” symptoms and would adhere to the scheduled trip to his Rehoboth Beach home, where he will withdraw.
In a different statement, Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, stated that the senator was suffering from a dry cough, runny nose, and a “general malaise.” Paxlovid is being used to treat Biden, he said, and “He will be isolating himself in compliance with the CDC’s recommendations for symptomatic individuals.”
The CDC’s statement
Although mask use is not required, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone recuperating from COVID-19 or any other respiratory infection to do so as part of a larger plan to stop the spread of the sickness.
When feeling ill, the CDC advises people to “stay home and away from others.” Once symptoms have started to improve and a fever has subsided, folks can return to their regular activities.
Although the CDC refers to masks as an “additional strategy” to stop the transmission of disease, it usually leaves it up to the individual to determine whether or not to use them. It refers to masks as “particularly helpful” during illness and advises using them as a precaution while recovering.
The White House’s statement
An email request for information regarding Biden’s decision not to wear a mask has gone unanswered by the White House.
How is the health of Biden?
O’Connor stated on Thursday that Biden is still dealing with minor COVID-19 upper respiratory symptoms. The president’s vital indicators are still normal, and he does not have a fever. Paxlovid is being used as a treatment for him.
The primary deputy manager of Biden’s reelection campaign, Quentin Fulks, stated on Thursday that the senator was “feeling fine,” taking calls, and going about his business. Fulks gave a speech at a press conference held in Milwaukee in conjunction with the Republican National Convention.
During a separate Zoom briefing, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby informed reporters that Biden was “being informed as needed by his leadership group, which undoubtedly include matters of national security.”