White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor released a new letter on July 21 providing a medical update on President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 symptoms after the president tested positive for the virus four days prior.
Mr. O’Connor said the president took his eighth dose of Paxlovid on Sunday morning.
“His symptoms have improved significantly. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate and temperature remain absolutely normal,” the doctor said in the letter.
“His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear.”
In his letter dated July 20, Mr. O'Connor stated that the president has encountered the KP .2.3 variant of COVID-19, which has become the dominant strain in the country in recent weeks.
However, the doctor revised that information in the latest update.
“In yesterday’s update, I incorrectly stated that the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) KP.2.3 variant accounted for approximately 33.3% of new cases in the United States. The correct percentage is approximately 12.8%,” Mr. O'Connor wrote.
President Biden tested positive for the virus on July 17 in Las Vegas while traveling for campaign events. He canceled his events and returned to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to self-isolate during recovery the same day.
“The President continues to tolerate treatment without any difficulty and will continue PAXLOVID as planned,” his doctor said. “He continues to perform all of his presidential duties. I will continue to keep your office updated with any changes in his condition or treatment plan.”
President Biden said in a statement on July 19 that he plans to resume campaigning next week after recovery.
He is also expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week to discuss ending the war in the Gaza Strip.
Mr. Netanyahu is set to arrive in Washington on July 22 and address a joint session of Congress on July 24.
According to the White House, President Biden spoke on July 21 with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to congratulate her on her reelection and received a briefing on developments in the Middle East from Jon Finer, assistant to the president and principal deputy national security adviser.
Ryan Morgan contributed to this report.
This article was updated on July 21 with a new letter issued by the White House physician.