Biden continues to test positive for Covid-19 and his cough returns

• President Joe Biden continues to test positive for Covid-19.
• Biden has developed a loose cough, according to a medical report.
• The president remains free of fever.

President Joe Biden continues to test positive for Covid-19 and a loose cough has returned, according to a new medical report released on Tuesday, August 2. Despite having Covid for two weeks, he has remained free of fever.

The AP news agency reported that President Joe Biden’s cough has returned now that he is dealing with a relapse of Covid-19, his doctor reported Tuesday. However, he said that the president «continues to feel good.»

New medical report: Biden continues to test positive for Covid-19

White House physician Kevin O’Connor provided an update on the president’s condition. Biden continues to test positive for Covid. The doctor said Biden «remains fever-free» and that his pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation «remain entirely normal.»

Even so, Biden will have to remain in isolation until at least Thursday, August 4, according to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Under White House protocols, it could be longer if he continues to test positive, the AP reported.

Biden suffers a relapse and continues to test positive for Covid-19

Biden’s relapse — the president tested positive again on Saturday, just three days after being authorized to leave isolation after two negative results on Tuesday and Wednesday — has left him eager to return to his normal schedule, according to the AP.

During his first round with the virus, President Biden, 79, was treated with the antiviral drug Paxlovid and his main symptoms were runny nose, fatigue and cough, his doctor reported. Now, “the president continues to feel well, although he is experiencing a bit of a light cough. He is still fever-free and in good spirits. (…) His lungs are clean,” wrote Kevin O’Connor, according to ABCNews.

Biden continues to stay active

Dr. Kevin O’Connor added that Biden «will continue his strict isolation measures» and «will continue to direct the affairs of the American people from the Executive Residence.» ABC News recalled that the president tested positive for Covid-19 on July 21. He was treated with Paxlovid and tested negative last Wednesday before being released from isolation.

However, he tested positive again on Saturday in a so-called rebound infection, which can occur when patients take Paxlovid. High-risk patients still face drastically reduced hospitalization risks after taking the drug.

Resurgence of symptoms

Dr. Kevin de O’Connor’s report issued Tuesday marked the first time he had noted a resurgence of symptoms in the so-called rebound case. Biden had six close contacts before testing positive for Covid a second time, though White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that none had tested positive.

It is unclear when Biden will be able to leave the White House for a series of planned trips. Jean-Pierre noted Monday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to release any guidance on travel after a rebound infection, ABC News reported.