Biden and first lady test negative for COVID-19
Naomi Lim
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President Joe Biden has tested negative for COVID-19, clearing the way for his departure to India and Vietnam.
The president’s attendance at the Group of 20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi was in doubt after first lady Jill Biden tested positive for the virus last Monday. He has tested negative since Labor Day weekend.
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“The president tested negative for COVID,” the White House said Thursday.
Joe Biden has been criticized this week for not consistently masking, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after being exposed to COVID-19.
“Let me explain to the press: I’ve been tested again today,” the president said on Wednesday before an address regarding the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association’s new West Coast port labor contract. “I’m clear across the board. But they keep telling me, because this has to be 10 days or something, I’ve got to keep wearing it. But don’t tell them I didn’t have it on when I walked in.”
The president was particularly scrutinized for taking off his mask to present retired Army Capt. Larry L. Taylor, 81, with the Medal of Honor on Tuesday.
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“He left when there was a pause in the program in order to minimize his close contact with attendees,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday.
Jean-Pierre declined to detail contingencies if the president had tested positive for COVID-19, including whether Vice President Kamala Harris, who is in Indonesia, would attend in his stead, though she did say he would wear a mask.