Biden tests negative for Covid, returns to Washington after week-long isolation

US President Joe Biden has tested negative for Covid and his symptoms have resolved, the White House physician said in a letter on Tuesday as the president headed back to Washington two days after ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris.

The 81-year-old President tested positive for Covid on July 18 while visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday and was self-isolating at his Delaware residence after experiencing mild symptoms.

Biden headed to Washington on Tuesday and is expected to address the nation on Wednesday night.

The President spent nearly a week recovering from Covid in Delaware, as he weighed his 2024 candidacy, ultimately dropping his campaign and preparing to address the nation about his decision to not seek another term in office.

While returning to the White House, the president wore his trademark aviator glasses and clasped a surgical mask as he boarded Air Force One to Washington, where he will speak to Americans from the Oval Office on Wednesday night.

Biden’s White House physician said the president had tested negative for COVID and that his symptoms had resolved.

“The president continues to perform all of his presidential duties,” Dr. Kevin O’Connor wrote in a letter on Tuesday.

Biden said his Wednesday remarks, scheduled for 8 p.m. (5.30 am IST), will address “what lies ahead, and how I will finish the job for the American people.”

On Thursday, he will meet with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.