US President Joe Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19 During Las Vegas Visit

US President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling in Las Vegas on Wednesday, exhibiting mild symptoms including general malaise, according to the White House.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that Biden will head to his home in Delaware to self-isolate while continuing to perform his duties remotely. The news was initially shared by Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguía at the group's Las Vegas convention.

Biden's physician, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, noted that the president presented with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and non-productive cough. Biden has been prescribed Paxlovid and has already taken his first dose.

Biden was originally slated to speak at the Unidos event as part of efforts to rally Hispanic voters ahead of the November elections. Instead, he traveled to Delaware for a planned long weekend at his Rehoboth Beach home.

Upon boarding Air Force One, Biden told reporters, "I feel good," though he was not wearing a mask. Earlier, he was spotted greeting diners at the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas and participated in an interview with Univision.

Despite being vaccinated and boosted, Biden has tested positive for the virus before, in the summer of 2022, which included a rebound infection. Health officials have noted recent increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, particularly in the southwestern US.

(With inputs from agencies.)