Mia Boykin
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on July 17, forcing him to cancel a Las Vegas campaigning event that was meant to procure Latino and Hispanic votes. The 81-year-old president is experiencing mild symptoms, including what his physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, termed “general malaise,” along with upper respiratory issues such as a runny nose and a non-productive cough.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that Biden would return to his Delaware home to self-isolate while maintaining his presidential duties. The president has been prescribed Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, and has already begun treatment.
This diagnosis comes at a crucial time for Biden, as his health and stamina are under intense scrutiny following a recent debate with former President Donald Trump. The incident has raised concerns among some Democrats about Biden’s fitness for another presidential term.
Despite his diagnosis, Biden appeared in good spirits, telling reporters as he boarded Air Force One, “I feel good.” However, observers noted his lack of a face mask while entering the aircraft.
COVID-19 Surge Nationwide
The president’s case coincides with a reported spike in COVID-19 cases in several states, including Maryland. The state is one of seven currently experiencing an increase in cases, partly attributed to new variants and hot weather conditions. The other states are California, Arkansas, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas, leaving Maryland as the only state on the East Coast with this recent surge.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Maryland currently reports “very high” levels of COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater. This local trend aligns with the national picture, where wastewater viral activity for COVID-19 is classified as “high.”
The CDC’s COVID Data Tracker indicates a national test positivity rate of around 11%, marking a nearly 2% increase from the previous week’s 9.1%. The Maryland Matters Covid Tracker reports that on July 16, there were 135 new cases of COVID-19. Though this is not a huge spike, it is unusually high compared to the last few months.
Despite these concerning trends, Maryland overall maintains “low” COVID-19 hospital admission levels. On July 15, 119 people were hospitalized, almost double the 67 that were reported on June 16. These numbers pale in comparison to those of December 2022, but they are still important to note and keep in mind as we plan events and gatherings for the summer
President Biden, who is fully vaccinated and up-to-date with recommended COVID-19 boosters, had previously contracted the virus twice in the summer of 2022, experiencing both a primary case and a rebound infection. His current case serves as a reminder that even with vaccination, infection remains possible, though vaccines continue to prove highly effective in preventing severe illness and death.
Health officials stress the importance of continued vigilance this summer, including staying up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters and following local health guidelines. This is especially important for those living in the DMV, as the close proximity of large cities and the number of people traveling between the two states and the capital, means more people are interacting and possibly spreading the virus. Since Maryland is one of the top 7 states in the nation when it comes to COVID virality, these numbers could easily bleed into D.C. and Virginia within weeks. Make sure to stay safe, wear a mask, and get yourself tested if you are exposed or feel the symptoms of COVID-19.
