×

Biden, first lady last together Monday, same day she tested positive for COVID-19

By Jolie Lash and Ben Gittleson, ABC News Sep 5, 2023 | 4:07 PM
Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images

(WASHINGTON) — Jill Biden was last with President Joe Biden on Monday, her press secretary Vanessa Valdivia said Tuesday, the same day the first lady tested positive for COVID-19.

“She’ll be monitored by the White House medical team and follow their advice on when to return to the White House,” Valdavia said in an update on Biden’s health.

She was isolating at her home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, away from husband, who returned to the White House on Monday.

“She is currently experiencing only mild symptoms,” Elizabeth Alexander, her communications director, said in a statement issued Monday night.

Following the first lady’s positive test, President Biden took a COVID test on Monday evening and tested negative, his press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

“The President will test at a regular cadence this week and monitor for symptoms,” Jean-Pierre noted.

Valdavia said Tuesday the first lady is working with Northern Virginia Community College, where she is an English professor, to ensure her classes are covered by a substitute and her office will adjust her public schedule accordingly.

President Biden is sticking to his public schedule for now.

He will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War veteran Tuesday afternoon and is still expected to depart the U.S. on Thursday for a trip to India and Vietnam.

ABC News’ Selina Wang and Justin Gomez contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.