REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — President Joe Biden has not worn a face mask in public a few times after the White House announced he had tested positive for COVID-19. The White House said the Democratic incumbent was experiencing “mild” symptoms, while the president’s doctor said Biden would self-isolate “in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals.”
What does the CDC guidance say? What does the White House say?
Following Wednesday’s announcement, Biden exited the motorcade with his face uncovered after arriving at the Las Vegas airport, where he has made several appearances, and boarding Air Force One. He also was not wearing a mask, which medical professionals said was could help slow the spread of the disease when he stepped off the plane hours later at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Biden was surrounded by Secret Service agents and aides on both sides of the trip.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in Wednesday announcement that Biden, 81, was experiencing “mild” symptoms and would follow prearranged plans to travel to his home in Rehoboth Beach, where he would self-isolate.
Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, said in a separate statement that Biden had a runny nose, a dry cough and a feeling of “general malaise.” He said Biden was being treated with the drug Paxlovid “and will self-isolate in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals.”
What the CDC says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people recovering from COVID-19 or any other respiratory illness to wear masks as part of a global strategy to reduce transmission, but masks are not mandatory.
The CDC recommends that people “stay home and away from other people” if they are sick. They say people can resume normal activities when symptoms begin to improve and the person no longer has a fever.
The CDC describes masks as an “additional strategy” to prevent the spread of disease, but generally leaves it up to individuals to decide whether to use them. He considers masks “especially useful” when someone is sick and suggests they be used as a precaution during recovery.
What the White House says
The White House did not respond to an emailed request for comment on why Biden chose not to wear a mask.
How is Biden?
O’Connor said Thursday that Biden still has mild upper respiratory symptoms due to COVID-19. The president does not have a fever and his vital signs remain normal. He is being treated with the drug Paxlovid.
Quentin Fulks, Biden’s chief deputy re-election campaign manager, said Thursday that Biden was “feeling good” and making calls and working. Fulks spoke at a news conference on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters during a separate Zoom briefing that Biden was “being kept updated as appropriate by his leadership team, and certainly that includes on the national security front.”
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
