Biden recovers from COVID-19 in Delaware as his drop out announcement dominates headlines

President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 symptoms are improving four days after testing positive for the virus, according to a Sunday memo from the president’s doctor.

The update on Biden’s health came shortly before the president announced in a statement that he would stand down and not seek reelection. He said he would address the nation later this week.

More: Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race amid growing pressure from top Democrats

Biden tested positive following an event Wednesday in Las Vegas, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement last week, and described his symptoms as mild. In the latest update on his condition, Biden’s physician, Kevin O’Connor, said the president completed his eighth dose of Paxlovid on Sunday morning and that his symptoms have “improved significantly.”

“The President continues to tolerate treatment without any difficulty and will continue PAXLOVID as planned,” O’Connor said in the July 21 memo . “He continues to perform all of his presidential duties.”

The standard dose of Paxlovid involves two drugs taken together orally twice daily for five days, according to drug manufacturer Pfizer .

The longtime physician to Biden, who has been with him since he was vice president, also said the president’s pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature are normal. O’Connor added that his oxygen saturation is “excellent” on room air, and the president’s lungs remain clear.

The doctor described initial symptoms last week as mainly upper respiratory, including a runny nose, a non-productive cough and general malaise.

Biden canceled a planned campaign event in Las Vegas Wednesday following his positive test and returned to his home in Delaware to self-isolate. This disruption to Biden’s campaign schedule came as calls for him to step aside from the 2024 election, particularly from a series of prominent Democrats, reached a fever pitch.

This marks the third time the president has tested positive for COVID-19.

He first caught the virus in July 2022 after receiving the vaccine and two boosters. He took Paxlovid, self-isolated, and continued to work in the White House.

After emerging from a five-day isolation period, Biden tested positive for COVID a second time as a rebound case , but said he experienced no symptoms.

Kathryn Palmer is an elections fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Biden recovers from COVID-19 in Delaware as his drop out announcement dominates headlines