Shortly after it was reported that President Joe Biden was enjoying Mexican food in a small restaurant in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that he tested positive for COVID-19.
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President Joe Biden Tested Positive For COVID-19 On Wednesday
Not long after Vegas locals reported that traffic was bad in one particular area due to Biden’s visit, the White House released a statement that revealed the President tested positive for COVID-19.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden, 81, tested positive “following his first event in Las Vegas.”
“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” Jean-Pierre said. “The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.”
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It’s been reported that Biden tested for COVID after presenting with upper respiratory symptoms, according to a statement by Biden’s doctor that was released by the White House.
His symptoms include a runny nose, cough, and “general malaise,” according to the statement. His doctor shared that Biden has already taken his first dose of Paxlovid, a medication that can help reduce the chance of hospitalization or death.
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President Joe Biden Canceled His Wednesday Afternoon Appearance
After testing positive for COVID-19, Biden’s appearance was canceled.
“Regrettably, I was just on the phone with President Biden and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon. The president has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for COVID,” Janet Murguia, president of UnidosUS said.
Biden was expected to speak at the group’s event Wednesday afternoon and was 90 minutes late when the announcement was made.
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Vegas Locals Shared That President Biden Was At A Restaurant An Hour Before Announcement
Just one hour before the announcement of Biden’s COVID diagnosis, Vegas locals were sharing information in the “Neighbors” section of the Ring App that there was extreme traffic near the restaurant he was visiting.
Some posted about police activity while others shared they were stuck in traffic near Lindo Michoacan, a popular locally-owned Mexican restaurant on East Desert Inn Road, only a few miles away from the Las Vegas Strip.
One person on the app even said they saw “police on the roof” and another said they were stuck in traffic for 20 minutes, thinking there was an accident at first.
