Biden ‘feeling better every day’ after COVID-19 infection
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Monday that he’s “feeling better every day” as he recovers from his coronavirus infection, and the White House plans to hold a summit Tuesday to discuss developing a new generation of vaccines that could more effectively guard against contagious variants.
After participating in a virtual meeting to talk about computer chip manufacturing, Biden said “everything’s on the button” with the medical tests he’s been receiving each evening.
He also said he’s been sleeping better, joking that his dog had to wake him up this morning.
“My wife’s not here, she usually takes him out,” Biden said.
Shortly before 7 a.m., he said he felt “the nuzzle of my dog’s nose against my chest.” First lady Jill Biden has been at the family home in Delaware while the president isolates in the White House residence.
Biden said his voice is still raspy and he still has nasal congestion, but he’s “on my way to fully recovered, God willing.”
It was Biden’s first public appearance since Friday. Although his voice was deeper and raspier than normal, a deep and persistent cough was all but gone.
He was also scheduled to deliver prerecorded remarks to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference in Orlando, Florida.
The vaccine summit Tuesday, which involves top administration officials, scientists and pharmaceutical executives, comes as the country faces a surge of infections from BA.5, a variant that’s an offshoot of the omicron strain.
Although the current generation of vaccines, plus antiviral drugs, have helped prevent hospitalizations and deaths, there are hopes that new versions could provide more durable protection against disruptive infections.
The president was likely infected by the BA.5 variant, and he tested positive Thursday.
A new note from his doctor, released Monday, said his symptoms have “almost completely resolved.”
Dr. Kevin O’Connor also wrote that his vital signs remain “absolutely normal.”