By Latiifah Amusan
The White House has confirmed that First Lady Jill Biden, aged 72, has tested positive for COVID-19, raising concerns just days before President Joe Biden’s scheduled trip to the Group of 20 (G20) summit in India.
President Biden, 80 years old, has tested negative for the virus.
Mrs. Biden, who reportedly experienced mild symptoms, previously battled COVID-19 in August of the previous year.
President Biden’s last positive test was in July 2022.
Elizabeth Alexander, the First Lady’s communications director, stated, “This evening, the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19.
She will remain at their home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.”
President Biden returned to Washington alone from Delaware on Monday evening after the First Lady’s positive test.
The White House announced, “Following the First Lady’s positive test for COVID-19, President Biden was administered a COVID test this evening.
The President tested negative and will continue to monitor for symptoms.”
There is no immediate response from the White House regarding the potential impact on President Biden’s foreign travel plans.
However, the President’s official schedule for the week, released shortly after the First Lady’s diagnosis, indicates his intention to travel to New Delhi for the G20 summit on Thursday, followed by a trip to Hanoi on Sunday.
President Biden, who is running for re-election in 2024, faces ongoing questions about his age as a significant issue in the campaign.
He is the oldest president seeking a second term, with some Republicans questioning his fitness for another four years in the White House, while his allies assert his capability to serve as president.
