5th September, 2023
In an unexpected turn of events, U.S. First Lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 just days before President Joe Biden is set to embark on a diplomatic journey to the Group of 20 (G20) summit in India.
The White House confirmed this concerning development on Monday, underscoring that President Biden had tested negative for the virus.
Mrs. Biden, 72 years old, experienced mild symptoms as a result of the infection and had previously battled COVID-19 in August of the preceding year.
Meanwhile, President Biden, now 80, had his last positive COVID-19 test in July 2022.
Elizabeth Alexander, the First Lady’s communications director, issued a statement, saying, “This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.”
On Monday evening, President Biden returned alone from Delaware and, in response to his wife’s diagnosis, underwent a COVID-19 test. Fortunately, the results came back negative.
The White House has stated that the President will continue to be tested regularly throughout the week and closely monitor any potential symptoms.
While the White House has not provided immediate comments regarding the impact of the First Lady’s diagnosis on President Biden’s foreign travel plans, the official week-ahead schedule released after the announcement indicates that the President is still scheduled to travel to New Delhi for the G20 summit on Thursday. Subsequently, he is expected to depart for Hanoi on Sunday.