hello, i'm ros atkins. welcome to outside source. —— kasia madera. us presidentjoe biden tests positive for covid. he's posted this photo on twitter, saying he's doing great and keeping busy. the 79—year—old is isolating at the white house and taking medication. his aids say he's experiencing "very mild symptoms". these are the scenes live from the white house, where we are expecting to hear a briefing from his press secretary, and we will bring that to you live as it happens. italy's unity prime minister resigns, with the country set for a

fractious campaign after the president announced an election in september. translation: as president announced an election in september. tuna/mom- president announced an election in september. translation: as has been communicated. — september. translation: as has been communicated. i _ september. translation: as has been communicated, i signed _ september. translation: as has been communicated, i signed a _ september. translation: as has been communicated, i signed a decree - september. translation: as has been communicated, i signed a decree to - communicated, i signed a decree to dissolve the parliament so that new elections could be calls within the 70 day period. and here in the uk, the candidates to be the next conservative leader and prime minister take their campaigns to the party members who will pick a winner. us presidentjoe biden has tested positive for covid. the 79—year—old is fully vaccinated and has twice received boosterjabs. his officials say he has "very mild symptoms". he was last in public on wednesday when he gave a speech about the us response to climate change. the white house covid coordinator says the president is tired, with a runny nose and dry cough. we're told he is taking the anti—viral medicine paxlovid.

the president has tweeted... he added that he's keeping busy. he also posted this photo of himself working at his desk in the white house. his press secretary released a statement saying mr biden was continuing his planned meetings via phone and zoom. these are the live pictures in washington, where we'll bring you that live when it happens. andy slavitt is a former senior adviser to president biden�*s covid—i9 response team. i'm sure you are monitoring very closely what is happening with this latest announcement, the first time that president biden we're told has had covid. how does the white house and administration keep operating given the president? weill. and administration keep operating given the president?— and administration keep operating given the president? well, about a half hour ago. _ given the president? well, about a half hour ago. i — given the president? well, about a half hour ago, i spoke _

given the president? well, about a half hour ago, i spoke to _ given the president? well, about a half hour ago, i spoke to the - given the president? well, about a half hour ago, i spoke to the press i half hour ago, i spoke to the press secretary, and from everything i heard, president biden is feeling fine. he is busy, he is working, obviously in isolation, and with the tools we have, you can actually both isolate and be productive, as we've all been doing these last couple years. thankfully, he's been vaccinated, and double boosted. he's taking the drug paxlovid and those are remarkable tools. i wish more americans, more brits, more people around the globe would equip themselves for it with those tools and stuff like you say he's doing he's well, he's saying he's doing great. when it comes to the protocols within the white house, just give us an understanding of how strict they are, how rigorously they

are insured. strict they are, how rigorously they are insured-— are insured. well, they've been ”lannin are insured. well, they've been planning for _ are insured. well, they've been planning for events _ are insured. well, they've been planning for events like - are insured. well, they've been planning for events like this, i are insured. well, they've been planning for events like this, as you can imagine, all these types of scenarios. the reality is like a lot of world leaders who had covid, it's very hard for someone who considers themselves, like the president, to be a retail politician who... ba five, the virus going on in the us and the uk, very contagious. very brief exposures can allow someone to get it. so, there aren't all the protocols in the world that will prevent of virus this avirulent, which is why it's important that everyone is vaccinated and double boosted it —— this virulent. {iii boosted it -- this virulent. of course boosted it —— this virulent. of course he is working, he's been speaking to people and apologising for meetings he's not able to go to.

we saw him yesterday out and about talking about climate change. today, he was meant to be in pennsylvania, laying out his plans for crime prevention programmes. in terms of the way that the administration will work, what's the kind of procedure in the sense of what gets put on hold and what is looked at immediately?— hold and what is looked at immediately? hold and what is looked at immediatel ? ~ , . immediately? well, look, i expect that consistent _ immediately? well, look, i expect that consistent protocols - - immediately? well, look, i expect that consistent protocols - he - immediately? well, look, i expectj that consistent protocols - he may that consistent protocols — he may isolate for five days and if he's feeling fine, he may be back out on the road. to talk to the public, to get back to pennsylvania. in the meantime, there's a lot of business that can be done. that was a trip that can be done. that was a trip that was scheduled, but other than scheduled trips, you could to virtually everything from the white house. forthose

virtually everything from the white house. for those of us who haven't seen the layout, it's 20 or 30 feet from the oval office in the west wing. staff can bring in all the briefing materials needed and he can continue to do his job the same way if you were sitting 30 feet away in the oval office.— the oval office. we're seeing the white house _ the oval office. we're seeing the white house press _ the oval office. we're seeing the white house press team - the oval office. we're seeing the white house press team getting | the oval office. we're seeing the - white house press team getting ready in order to bring us up—to—date. what kind of level of detail can we expect to hear? because we know that he's on this particular medication for this. what level of detail can we expect to hear once this conference gets under way? well, this is a white _ conference gets under way? well, this is a white house _ conference gets under way? well, this is a white house that - conference gets under way? -ii this is a white house that pride themselves on transparency, so i success that he will get every question under the sun —— i suspect they will. about how he's feeling, about medications, about what he's able to do. i suspect... ijust

spoke to the doctor who will be in the briefing. i think he'll try to deliver a message that's important to the president, to say "i got boosted, i had access to paxlovid." but so many americans aren't availing themselves of those things and there are people who are in the situation and did not have the level of treatment and therapy, it would be in a potentially different situation. i know the president wants a message to be delivered. i suspect that will be part of what the doctor says and i think he'll answer every question he can. when it comes to — answer every question he can. when it comes to the _ answer every question he can. when it comes to the us, _ answer every question he can. when it comes to the us, cases _ answer every question he can. when it comes to the us, cases are - it comes to the us, cases are increasing more than 25% in the last month, according to the centers for disease control and mentioned. you have written about the failures of in leadership when it comes to the us response to covid. with cases on

the rise, vaccinations on the rise as well, is that uptake good enough? what's your assessment of where the us is now and it comes to this pandemic?— pandemic? well, the world is basically- -- — pandemic? well, the world is basically... we _ pandemic? well, the world is basically... we are _ pandemic? well, the world is basically... we are dealing i pandemic? well, the world is l basically... we are dealing with pandemic? well, the world is - basically... we are dealing with a virus that's circulating about as frequently as the common cold. it's just continually moving across the globe. each time, it looks different because it is mutating very aggressively. what you're dealing with is different... if their work in distance e, we would be —— we would have a much greater chance of preventing illness. we are very fortunate that we have vaccines and scientific tools like paxlovid,

which is a therapeutic, to allow people to not go to hospital. but having said that, we do not see an end in sight for the sort of continual infections and re—infections happening in the us and the globe. it's important that people recognise even if they feel safe, they feel healthy, that's not the case for everyone. there are people out there that are quite vulnerable and higher risk, so i hope people take stock whether it's the us or anywhere else, and do a betterjob taking stock of the the us or anywhere else, and do a better job taking stock of the fact that this is still a risky condition for people, as much as we'd like to put it out of our heads.— for people, as much as we'd like to put it out of our heads. andy, thank ou for put it out of our heads. andy, thank you for reminding _ put it out of our heads. andy, thank you for reminding us _ put it out of our heads. andy, thank you for reminding us that _ put it out of our heads. andy, thank you for reminding us that people . put it out of our heads. andy, thank you for reminding us that people do j you for reminding us that people do still have concerns and are vulnerable. andy savitt, author of

preventable, which looks at the leadership failures when comes to the covid response. we are expecting a press conference to take place. we expect the press secretary and covid coordinator to bring us up—to—date. the biden administration very keen to be transparent. they've given us a statement as to the condition of the president himself. he says he is feeling good, he's working, he has got a runny nose, but as and when that press conference starts, we will bring that to you. uk has launched official inquiry into how the country handled the pandemic. likely to be one of the complex cyst —— most complex inquiries. it's being led by baroness heather hallett. she outlined what she wanted to achieve. i am determined to run

the inquiry as thoroughly and as efficiently as possible, bearing in mind the inquiry wide—ranging terms of reference and the need for the inquiry process to be rigorous and fair. with such a wide scope, i will need to be ruthless. it will be impossible to call every witness related to every event, issue or major decision. the inquiry must focus on the key issues. another is to learn lessons for future pandemics. i am determined to undertake the work of this inquiry as speedily as possible so that lessons are learned before another pandemic strikes. that lessons are learned before another pandemic strikes.— pandemic strikes. that was the first woman to chair _

pandemic strikes. that was the first woman to chair the barristers. - she previously led the inquests into the terrorist attacks in london on sevenjuly 2005. in her inquiry she will assess decisions made by politicians, civil servants, scientists and doctors over the past two years. here's our health correspondent, jim reed. splitting the public inquiry into sections. — splitting the public inquiry into sections, the first one will look at preparations for the pandemic. then they will_ preparations for the pandemic. then they will look at sections like lockdown and the nhs, the impact on care homes, — lockdown and the nhs, the impact on care homes, and first preliminary on september— care homes, and first preliminary on september the 20th with the first key public hearings next spring. a reminder that more than 22 million covid infections have been recorded in the uk. and nearly 180,000 people died within 28 days of a positive covid test. david garfinkel is a spokesperson for the organisation covid—i9 bereaved

families forjustice. i families forjustice. think it's been really emotiona for i think it's been really emotional for everyone who's lost a loved one, from covid, and i think we can finally begin the process of learning lessons to the pandemic. critically through this inquiry, we can protect others better today as well as in the future. unfortunately, for my dad, it's too late, but may be for someone else's it won't be. my dad was one of millions who had an autoimmune condition. a week after boris johnson announced freedom day, he caught covid and ii johnson announced freedom day, he caught covid and 11 days later, he passed away. he was in the icu for only four days. i think the lesson learned is critical. this is all about ensuring we can do that so we can save future lives, but i do think people have to be held accountable as well. i think when you look at, as i mentioned earlier, freedom day was a political decision. there are many decisions

taken like that that were political decisions. they ignored scientific advice, and should a decision have been made, that cost people their lives, so these are questions that i think will come out in the inquiry and i think if the decision is that this was wrong, people should be held accountable. just this was wrong, people should be held accountable.— held accountable. just to add the government _ held accountable. just to add the government will _ held accountable. just to add the government will be _ held accountable. just to add the government will be defending . held accountable. just to add the government will be defending its j government will be defending its record in this inquiry. let's go to italy now, where just hours ago, president sergio mattarella announced voters would be snap election was triggered by the

resignation of mario draghi earlier today. translation: the president - of the republic, sergio mattarrella, the prime minister, mario draghi, who, after reporting on yesterday's discussion and vote in the senate, reiterated his resignation and that of the government he heads. the president of the republic took note of this. the government remains in place to conduct current business. a week ago, there was another confident boats. the coalition partner boycotted the vote. 5—star movement boycotted the vote, refusing to back an economic package for businesses and families. the pm tendered his resignation. but the italian president asked him to stay, and he did. these images are from last night, where draghi again put his leadership to a confidence vote. he won, but without the support of coalition parties. three refused to back him.

in victory, his government crumbled, which brings us back to this morning, and this farewell. translation: thank you. i request a moment. even central bankers have their hearts touched sometimes. thank you for the applause, and thanks for all the work we have done together during this time. the resignation stunned many, including former pm and head of italy's democratic party, enrico letta. here he is speaking a few hours ago. it's shame that he's betrayed, . because the parties that decided |it's a shame that he's betrayed, j because the parties that decided yesterday not to give confidence vote, they decided to do - sojust for personal and, | i'll say, selfish interests. political instability is almost the norm in italian politics. since the end of world war ii, italy has had 69 different governments. that averages out to about one every 13 months.

mario draghi was brought in to steady the ship. he's an economist and former president of the european central bank, dubbed by some as "super mario" for his adept handling of the 2012 eurozone financial crisis. in february 2021, mr draghi was invited by the president to form a unity government to lead italy through the covid crisis and economic battles. the broad coalition consisted of a range of parties across the political divide, including — among others — the anti—establishment five star movement and centre—right forza italia led by silvio berlusconi. the bbc�*s mark lowen has more. he was brought in last year to head a unity government and steer italy through a delicate period. he was supported by the majority of

italians, but italy's fractious politicians refuse to work together. let's get more on the reaction from today, starting with the media. this is the front page of la repubblica. "l'italia tradita", it reads — italy betrayed. here is la stampa. just one word there: "shame". some italians have welcomed the resignation, but for a country dealing with a heatwave, covid pandemic and more, there was also another common sentiment. translation: it really isn't the right moment for a government crisis. they should have been the moment to get back on ourfeet. president mattarrela has asked mr draghi to stay on as caretaker pm until elections are held. he's agreed to. translation: always a last resort shorts, particularly if the parliament has many— particularly if the parliament has many important task to complete —— last resort _ many important task to complete —— last resort choice. the developments

in the _ last resort choice. the developments in the political situation have led to this _ in the political situation have led to this decision.— to this decision. some experts believe there _ to this decision. some experts believe there was _ to this decision. some experts believe there was no - to this decision. some experts believe there was no other - to this decision. some experts i believe there was no other option than election.— believe there was no other option than election. , ., ., , .., , than election. draghi was considered to be like a saviour, but long—term problems cannot— saviour, but long—term problems cannot be — saviour, but long—term problems cannot be solved _ saviour, but long—term problems cannot be solved by— saviour, but long—term problems cannot be solved by a _ saviour, but long—term problems cannot be solved by a single i saviour, but long—term problems. cannot be solved by a single person. so the _ cannot be solved by a single person. so the only— cannot be solved by a single person. so the only way— cannot be solved by a single person. so the only way forward _ cannot be solved by a single person. so the only way forward is _ cannot be solved by a single person. so the only way forward is via - cannot be solved by a single person. so the only way forward is via i- so the only way forward is via i suppose — so the only way forward is via i suppose elections— so the only way forward is via i suppose elections at _ so the only way forward is via i suppose elections at this - so the only way forward is via i| suppose elections at this point. the result of that vote could have implications across europe. here's mark lowen again. the opinion polls of the moment place a right—wing victory as very likely, and the likely next prime minister would be the leader of the far—right party, of brothers of italy. that will send shivers down brussels, because it would mean a core member of the european union could lurch to the far—right. just how likely? to discuss, bloomberg's political correspondent for italy, chiara albanese,

joins me from rome. how likely is that going to happen? i was talking to good source earlier of who attended over 30 electoral campaigns in italy, and he told me, "you always know italy how a companion to starts, you never know how it's going to end." with this quote, i would how it's going to end." with this quote, iwould keep how it's going to end." with this quote, i would keep that in mind because that's for sure that the right—wing coalition is supposed to win in particular if they stick together, but that's not an easy task. the league that is led by they have different views and they all aspire to be in power. so we should expect fireworks within the

coalition and the campaign, and also after the vote. it's very hard to expect it will be next prime minister in september. haste expect it will be next prime minister in september. we expect nothin: minister in september. we expect nothing less than _ minister in september. we expect nothing less than a _ minister in september. we expect nothing less than a tumultuous i minister in september. we expect l nothing less than a tumultuous time when it comes to italian politics, but georgia maloney is always being tipped —— already being tipped to win. is it likely that she could be the next leader of italy? she could be. she is definitely _ the next leader of italy? she could be. she is definitely leading i the next leader of italy? she could be. she is definitely leading in i the next leader of italy? she could be. she is definitely leading in the| be. she is definitely leading in the polls, because she is leading the biggest party. if she will be, she will be the first female prime minister. it's a tough one for her, but definitely not impossible. maria

but definitely not impossible. mario drauhi was but definitely not impossible. mario draghi was described _ but definitely not impossible. mario draghi was described as _ but definitely not impossible. mario draghi was described as super mario, who was meant to save italy. you've written about how he arguably saved the euro, but italian politics just got to him. the euro, but italian politics 'ust got to himfi the euro, but italian politics 'ust aottohim. , ., got to him. absolutely. mario draghi came in a very _ got to him. absolutely. mario draghi came in a very dark— got to him. absolutely. mario draghi came in a very dark time, _ got to him. absolutely. mario draghi came in a very dark time, just i got to him. absolutely. mario draghi came in a very dark time, just in i came in a very dark time, just in the middle of the covid—i9 pandemic. we had ambulances lining up outside hospitals. mattarrella saw in him the only person that could guide a coalition government to unite the country. well, he tried and he failed because he is going out as prime ministerfor the failed because he is going out as prime minister for the end failed because he is going out as prime ministerfor the end of his term. just one of many that failed the two mostjoyous italian parties.

tumultuous indeed. chiara albanese, we have to leave it there, but we will be back to speak to you throughout this next period of italy's political tumultuous period. thank you very much. president biden has tested positive for covid—i9. hejust president biden has tested positive for covid—i9. he just posted this video. for covid-19. he 'ust posted this video. , ., just posted that video and we are

expecting a press c0 nfe re nce a press conference from the white house, where we will get an update on his condition. we've been getting a lot of updates. he is feeling fine, he has a runny nose apparently, but he is doing great after testing positive for covid. he is isolating at the white house. we have been expecting him to be in pennsylvania today, where he would lay out plans to ask congress for a $37 billion package for crime prevention programmes, but that has been cancelled. we saw him out and about yesterday talking about climate change. today, he is isolating at the white house, but he isolating at the white house, but he is taking phone calls, he is doing great in his words, he is keeping busy. let's have a listen to the press secretary.—

busy. let's have a listen to the press secretary. good afternoon, everybody- _ press secretary. good afternoon, everybody- as — press secretary. good afternoon, everybody. as you _ press secretary. good afternoon, everybody. as you all _ press secretary. good afternoon, everybody. as you all know, i i everybody. as you all know, i received a letter from the president's personal physician this morning. we released it to you shortly after in the interest of transparency. i have the letter here and ijust want transparency. i have the letter here and i just want to read transparency. i have the letter here and ijust want to read it transparency. i have the letter here and i just want to read it through so we can get started. "this morning, as part of our routine screening programme, the sars virus was detected by antigen testing. this result was subsequently confirmed by a pcr test. president biden is currently experiencing mild symptoms, mostly a runny nose and fatigue, with an occasional dry cough which started yesterday evening. given that he meets emergency use of authority criteria for paxlovid, i have recommended initiating such treatment. the

president is fully vaccinated and twice boosted, so i anticipate that he will respond favourably, as most maximally protected patients do. early use of paxlovid provides additional protection against severe disease. he will isolate in accordance with cdc recommendations. i will keep your office updated with any changes in his condition or treatment plan." i also want to provide you with a brief readout of the president's activities today. he has been working from the residence, like so many of us have during this pandemic, doing calls with senior staff, including the chief of staff, myself and doctor who's here with us, the president also called senator casey, representative cartwright, mayors of scranton and

representative wyvern. he also called a few of his cousins from scranton who are set to attend today's events. he spoke with ambassador corning, you all have seen the photo he posted in the video that was just released out of transparency moments ago. the president will continue to work from the residence. today, as ijust mentioned, and as we sent out, doctor zha isjoining us today mentioned, and as we sent out, doctor zha is joining us today and as i tweeted out earlier, doctor zha and i spoke to the president this morning, and he said he's feeling fine. he has a little dry cough, as ijust mentioned from the letter, a little runny nose and he's feeling tired, but he's working very hard on behalf of the american people, and with that, doctor zha. goad

with that, doctor zha. good afternoon, everybody, i'm i with that, doctor zha. good - afternoon, everybody, i'm pleased with that, doctorzha. good afternoon, everybody, i'm pleased to be with— afternoon, everybody, i'm pleased to be with you — afternoon, everybody, i'm pleased to be with you. as she mentioned, i spoke _ be with you. as she mentioned, i spoke to— be with you. as she mentioned, i spoke to the president earlier and i also spoke — spoke to the president earlier and i also spoke at length with doctor o'connor. — also spoke at length with doctor o'connor, who is the president's 0'connor, who is the president's personal— o'connor, who is the president's personal physician and i'm happy to share _ personal physician and i'm happy to share the _ personal physician and i'm happy to share the read out and state questions. the president sounded great _ questions. the president sounded great i_ questions. the president sounded great. i asked questions. the president sounded great. iasked him how he questions. the president sounded great. i asked him how he was feeling, — great. i asked him how he was feeling, he said he was feeling fine _ feeling, he said he was feeling fine he — feeling, he said he was feeling fine. he said he was feeling fine, he'd been — fine. he said he was feeling fine, he'd been working all morning, he hadn't _ he'd been working all morning, he hadn't even — he'd been working all morning, he hadn't even finished his breakfast because _ hadn't even finished his breakfast because he had been busy. i encouraged him to finish it. in terms — encouraged him to finish it. in terms of— encouraged him to finish it. in terms of my conversation with doctor o'connor. _ terms of my conversation with doctor o'connor, we talked at length about what happened this morning, as karen mentioned. the president got his regular— mentioned. the president got his regular testing. mentioned. the president got his regulartesting. he reported mentioned. the president got his regular testing. he reported the symptoms that had been described, doctor o'connor examined him thoroughly. found the exam to be

normal, _ thoroughly. found the exam to be normal, and obviously, he recommended that the president take paxlovid _ recommended that the president take paxlovid. he accepted that recommendation. i want to take a minute _ recommendation. i want to take a minute to— recommendation. i want to take a minute to put... mark this moment. because _ minute to put... mark this moment. because the — minute to put... mark this moment. because the president is fully vaccinated, double boosted, his risk of serious— vaccinated, double boosted, his risk of serious illness, it's dramatically lower. he's also getting — dramatically lower. he's also getting treated with a very powerful anti-viral. _ getting treated with a very powerful anti—viral, and that further reduces his risk— anti—viral, and that further reduces his risk of— anti—viral, and that further reduces his risk of serious illness. and it's a — his risk of serious illness. and it's a reminder of the reason that we all— it's a reminder of the reason that we all work— it's a reminder of the reason that we all work so hard to make sure that every— we all work so hard to make sure that every american has the same level_ that every american has the same level of— that every american has the same level of protection as the president. that every american has the same level of immunity, and why we have worked so hard to make sure that people _ we have worked so hard to make sure that people have access to life—saving treatments like

paxlovid. these are incredibly important for the president to have and for— important for the president to have and for every american to have. we have _ and for every american to have. we have worked — and for every american to have. we have worked very hard over the last 18 months— have worked very hard over the last 18 months to make sure we have plenty _ 18 months to make sure we have plenty of vaccines, plenty of therapies, that people can get tested — therapies, that people can get tested on a regular basis as the president— tested on a regular basis as the president does, because testing allows— president does, because testing allows you to invite —— identify infections _ allows you to invite —— identify infections earlier. we all know from medicine _ infections earlier. we all know from medicine that early treatment is always— medicine that early treatment is always better. let me take a moment to talk about this new— let me take a moment to talk about this new variant. you heard me talk a lot— this new variant. you heard me talk a lot about — this new variant. you heard me talk a lot about this sub variant of omicron _ a lot about this sub variant of omicron which is 70 or 80% of all infections — omicron which is 70 or 80% of all infections in the united states. it is a reminderto infections in the united states. it is a reminder to everyone if you are over 50 _ is a reminder to everyone if you are over 50 the — is a reminder to everyone if you are over 50 the way i am, the way many of you _ over 50 the way i am, the way many of you might — over 50 the way i am, the way many of you might be, if you are over the a-e of you might be, if you are over the age of— of you might be, if you are over the age of 50 _ of you might be, if you are over the age of 50 and you have not gotten a vaccine _ age of 50 and you have not gotten a vaccine shot — age of 50 and you have not gotten a vaccine shot in the year 2022, you need _ vaccine shot in the year 2022, you need to— vaccine shot in the year 2022, you need to go— vaccine shot in the year 2022, you need to go get one and you need to -et need to go get one and you need to get one _ need to go get one and you need to get one now because it will

dramatically improve your level of protection, reduce your risk of having — protection, reduce your risk of having serious effects. it is the best _ having serious effects. it is the best thing you can be doing. let me finish _ best thing you can be doing. let me finish try— best thing you can be doing. let me finish by saying obviously, we work hard to— finish by saying obviously, we work hard to protect the president, to make _ hard to protect the president, to make sure — hard to protect the president, to make sure that he has been vaccinated and boosted and has access — vaccinated and boosted and has access to — vaccinated and boosted and has access to treatment, we also have been _ access to treatment, we also have been working very, very hard to make sure every— been working very, very hard to make sure every american has access to the same — sure every american has access to the same things. because every american — the same things. because every american deserves access to the best vaccines, _ american deserves access to the best vaccines, treatments and they are widely— vaccines, treatments and they are widely available and i want to use this moment to remind everybody of that and _ this moment to remind everybody of that and to _ this moment to remind everybody of that and to remind everybody to avail _ that and to remind everybody to avail themselves of that. get vaccinated. if you have a breakthrough infection, get treated. let me _ breakthrough infection, get treated. let me stop and take questions. has a resident let me stop and take questions. has a president been tested to determine which _ a president been tested to determine which variant — a president been tested to determine which variant he _ a president been tested to determine which variant he has? _ a president been tested to determine which variant he has? is _ a president been tested to determine which variant he has? is it— a president been tested to determine which variant he has? is it ba.5- a president been tested to determine which variant he has? is it ba.5 and l which variant he has? is it ba.5 and if so what _ which variant he has? is it ba.5 and if so what does _ which variant he has? is it ba.5 and if so what does it _ which variant he has? is it ba.5 and if so what does it say— which variant he has? is it ba.5 and if so what does it say about - if so what does it say about his prognosis? _ if so what does it say about his prognosis?—

if so what does it say about his prognosis? if so what does it say about his rounosis? , ., , ., , prognosis? great question. the virus has been sent _ prognosis? great question. the virus has been sent off _ prognosis? great question. the virus has been sent off for _ prognosis? great question. the virus has been sent off for sequencing i prognosis? great question. the virus has been sent off for sequencing andj has been sent off for sequencing and it usually— has been sent off for sequencing and it usually takes about a week for that sequencing to come back and that's— that sequencing to come back and that's normal circumstance and. he is the _ that's normal circumstance and. he is the president and it will be prioritised and we should have answers— prioritised and we should have answers sooner than that and you cannot— answers sooner than that and you cannot tell— answers sooner than that and you cannot tell from a regular test what kind of— cannot tell from a regular test what kind of variant. we will get at some point _ kind of variant. we will get at some point less— kind of variant. we will get at some point less than a week from now. has the president had to halt any of his regular— the president had to halt any of his regular medications _ the president had to halt any of his regular medications now— the president had to halt any of his regular medications now that - the president had to halt any of his regular medications now that he'sl regular medications now that he's taking _ regular medications now that he's taking paxlovid? _ regular medications now that he's taking paxlovid? and _ regular medications now that he's taking paxlovid? and what - regular medications now that he's taking paxlovid? and what you i regular medications now that he's i taking paxlovid? and what you doing to mitigate _ taking paxlovid? and what you doing to mitigate the — taking paxlovid? and what you doing to mitigate the risk— taking paxlovid? and what you doing to mitigate the risk from _ taking paxlovid? and what you doing to mitigate the risk from halting i to mitigate the risk from halting his medications? _ to mitigate the risk from halting his medications? [— to mitigate the risk from halting his medications?— his medications? i had a conversation _ his medications? i had a conversation about i his medications? i had a conversation about this, j his medications? i had a i conversation about this, he is his medications? i had a - conversation about this, he is on two medications for his blood thinning — two medications for his blood thinning and defibrillation both which — thinning and defibrillation both which need to be stopped when he takes _ which need to be stopped when he takes paxlovid is a standard common thing _ takes paxlovid is a standard common thing you _ takes paxlovid is a standard common thing. you don't need to do anything in those _ thing. you don't need to do anything in those circumstances. they both -et in those circumstances. they both get stopped for the five days and then they will be restarted and it is totally— then they will be restarted and it is totally fine and a normal practice _ is totally fine and a normal practice-— is totally fine and a normal ractice. ~ , ., , .,

practice. where exactly was a president _ practice. where exactly was a president where _ practice. where exactly was a president where he _ practice. where exactly was a president where he was i practice. where exactly was a i president where he was infected? i don't president where he was infected? don't think we know. i certainly don't _ don't think we know. i certainly don't know. i don't think we know. i certainly don't know— don't know. i don't think that matters- _ don't know. i don't think that matters. what _ don't know. i don't think that matters. what matters i don't know. i don't think that matters. what matters is i don't know. i don't think that matters. what matters is be| don't know. i don't think that - matters. what matters is be prepared for this moment. i think what matters is what was just laid out. if we were where we were a year and a half ago, this is a president that when he walked in one of his first priorities was to make sure he had a comprehensive plan to get people vaccinated. and now today more and more people are getting closer to having a more normal life, vaccines are available and as was said, if you've not gotten vaccinated, please do. if you have not gotten boosted, please do. these are treatments that are going to keep you safe. and i think that is what matters here, making sure that we continue to do the work and the good thing is that the work and the good thing is that the president, again, has been vaccinated and double boosted. haste vaccinated and double boosted. we know that rebound covid cases have

been a _ know that rebound covid cases have been a concern _ know that rebound covid cases have been a concern in _ know that rebound covid cases have been a concern in people _ know that rebound covid cases have been a concern in people who - know that rebound covid cases have been a concern in people who take i been a concern in people who take paxlovid. — been a concern in people who take paxlovid. are — been a concern in people who take paxlovid, are there _ been a concern in people who take paxlovid, are there any _ been a concern in people who takei paxlovid, are there any precautions you can _ paxlovid, are there any precautions you can take — paxlovid, are there any precautions you can take to _ paxlovid, are there any precautions you can take to try— paxlovid, are there any precautions you can take to try and _ paxlovid, are there any precautions you can take to try and prevent i you can take to try and prevent that? _ you can take to try and prevent that? an— you can take to try and prevent that? an arrow— you can take to try and prevent that? an arrow —— _ you can take to try and prevent that? an arrow —— and - you can take to try and prevent that? an arrow —— and how- you can take to try and prevent - that? an arrow —— and how concerned are you _ that? an arrow —— and how concerned are you about — that? an arrow —— and how concerned are you about this? _ that? an arrow —— and how concerned are you about this? that— that? an arrow -- and how concerned are you about this?— are you about this? that is a good ruestion. are you about this? that is a good question- we _ are you about this? that is a good question. we have _ are you about this? that is a good question. we have looked - are you about this? that is a good question. we have looked at i are you about this? that is a good question. we have looked at the l question. we have looked at the clinical— question. we have looked at the clinical data on this because if you look at _ clinical data on this because if you look at twitter, it feels like everyone has rebound, but there is actual— everyone has rebound, but there is actual clinical data. rebound rates are around — actual clinical data. rebound rates are around 5%. some studies say 7%, but it's— are around 5%. some studies say 7%, but it's in_ are around 5%. some studies say 7%, but it's in the — are around 5%. some studies say 7%, but it's in the single digits. it happened but it's not that frequent. here is _ happened but it's not that frequent. here is the — happened but it's not that frequent. here is the key point about rebounds. when they have it, they do not end _ rebounds. when they have it, they do not end up— rebounds. when they have it, they do not end up in— rebounds. when they have it, they do not end up in the hospital or particularly sick. the goal of paxlovid _ particularly sick. the goal of paxlovid is to keep people from getting — paxlovid is to keep people from getting seriously ill. and it continues to work. his physician is in charge — continues to work. his physician is in charge of— continues to work. his physician is in charge of taking care of him. 0bviously— in charge of taking care of him. obviously the president will continue to be monitored, but paxlovid — continue to be monitored, but

paxlovid is working really well at preventing serious illness and that is why— preventing serious illness and that is why he — preventing serious illness and that is why he is— preventing serious illness and that is why he is on it.— is why he is on it. talking about the symptoms _ is why he is on it. talking about the symptoms that _ is why he is on it. talking about the symptoms that the - is why he is on it. talking about. the symptoms that the president is why he is on it. talking about i the symptoms that the president has had so _ the symptoms that the president has had so far. _ the symptoms that the president has had so far. what— the symptoms that the president has had so far, what other— the symptoms that the president has had so far, what other symptoms i the symptoms that the president hasj had so far, what other symptoms are you looking _ had so far, what other symptoms are you looking out — had so far, what other symptoms are you looking out for— had so far, what other symptoms are you looking out for at _ had so far, what other symptoms are you looking out for at this _ had so far, what other symptoms are you looking out for at this point? i you looking out for at this point? this is— you looking out for at this point? this is the — you looking out for at this point? this is the beginning _ you looking out for at this point? this is the beginning of- you looking out for at this point? this is the beginning of this i you looking out for at this point? this is the beginning of this andl this is the beginning of this and what would _ this is the beginning of this and what would warrant _ this is the beginning of this and i what would warrant hospitalisation? ri-ht what would warrant hospitalisation? right now _ what would warrant hospitalisation? right now he — what would warrant hospitalisation? right now he feels _ what would warrant hospitalisation? right now he feels really— what would warrant hospitalisation? right now he feels really well, - what would warrant hospitalisation? right now he feels really well, our. right now he feels really well, our expectation is that he will continue to have _ expectation is that he will continue to have mild illness. he is going to be monitored for symptoms. i asked him, be monitored for symptoms. i asked him. how— be monitored for symptoms. i asked him. how is— be monitored for symptoms. i asked him, how is he feeling? is he having any other_ him, how is he feeling? is he having any other symptoms, he is not and we will continue _ any other symptoms, he is not and we will continue to monitor that. that is the _ will continue to monitor that. that is the plan — will continue to monitor that. that is the plan right now, he is going to get— is the plan right now, he is going to get care — is the plan right now, he is going to get care the way he would... he is the _ to get care the way he would... he is the president, so obviously he -ets is the president, so obviously he gets extra — is the president, so obviously he gets extra attention. i don't think we have — gets extra attention. i don't think we have any expectation of any other symptoms— we have any expectation of any other symptoms at this point. go we have any expectation of any other symptoms at this point.— symptoms at this point. go ahead, aril. if

symptoms at this point. go ahead, april- if the — symptoms at this point. go ahead, april. if the president's _ symptoms at this point. go ahead, april. if the president's oxygen - april. if the president's oxygen level went _ april. if the president's oxygen level went down _ april. if the president's oxygen level went down would - april. if the president's oxygen level went down would he - april. if the president's oxygen level went down would he go l april. if the president's oxygen| level went down would he go to april. if the president's oxygen - level went down would he go to the hospital? _ level went down would he go to the hos - ital? ~ . , level went down would he go to the hosital? ~ . , ,., hospital? well, at this point we want to avoid _ hospital? well, at this point we want to avoid hypotheticals. - hospital? well, at this point we | want to avoid hypotheticals. his oxygen— want to avoid hypotheticals. his oxygen level is normal, he is breathing _ oxygen level is normal, he is breathing while. and i was going to say he _ breathing while. and i was going to say he is _ breathing while. and i was going to say he is resting comfortably but he's not — say he is resting comfortably but he's not resting. he is working comfortably. in he's not resting. he is working comfortably-— he's not resting. he is working comfortably. in this moment we understand _ comfortably. in this moment we understand that _ comfortably. in this moment we understand that the _ comfortably. in this moment we understand that the incubation i comfortably. in this moment we | understand that the incubation of covid _ understand that the incubation of covid is _ understand that the incubation of covid is 2-14 _ understand that the incubation of covid is 2—14 days. _ understand that the incubation of covid is 2—14 days. has _ understand that the incubation of covid is 2—14 days. has the - understand that the incubation of covid is 2—14 days. has the white house _ covid is 2—14 days. has the white house reached _ covid is 2—14 days. has the white house reached out _ covid is 2—14 days. has the white house reached out to _ covid is 2—14 days. has the white house reached out to those - covid is 2—14 days. has the white house reached out to those the l house reached out to those the president— house reached out to those the president has— house reached out to those the president has in— house reached out to those the president has in contact- house reached out to those the president has in contact with i house reached out to those the - president has in contact with during that period — president has in contact with during that period of— president has in contact with during that period of time? _ president has in contact with during that period of time? the _ president has in contact with during that period of time?— that period of time? the cdc has ve clear that period of time? the cdc has very clear protocols _ that period of time? the cdc has very clear protocols on _ that period of time? the cdc has very clear protocols on this - that period of time? the cdc has very clear protocols on this in - very clear protocols on this in terms — very clear protocols on this in terms of— very clear protocols on this in terms of when people are contagious pre—symptoms. the white house nredical— pre—symptoms. the white house medical unit is conducting right now a contact _ medical unit is conducting right now a contact tracing and they are contacting every single purpose who —— contacting every single person who meets — —— contacting every single person who meets the cdc close contact. the

cdc sa s if who meets the cdc close contact. the cdc says if you are in a high risk area _ cdc says if you are in a high risk area and — cdc says if you are in a high risk area and a — cdc says if you are in a high risk area and a large _ cdc says if you are in a high risk area and a large swathe the - cdc says if you are in a high risk. area and a large swathe the nation is, area and a large swathe the nation is. they— area and a large swathe the nation is, they recommend _ area and a large swathe the nation is, they recommend wearing - area and a large swathe the nationl is, they recommend wearing masks indoors _ is, they recommend wearing masks indoors in — is, they recommend wearing masks indoors in this— is, they recommend wearing masks indoors. in this white _ is, they recommend wearing masks indoors. in this white house, - is, they recommend wearing masks indoors. in this white house, we i is, they recommend wearing masksi indoors. in this white house, we are still seeing _ indoors. in this white house, we are still seeing people _ indoors. in this white house, we are still seeing people not— indoors. in this white house, we are still seeing people not doing - indoors. in this white house, we are still seeing people not doing that? l still seeing people not doing that? is still seeing people not doing that? is there _ still seeing people not doing that? is there now— still seeing people not doing that? is there now a _ still seeing people not doing that? is there now a push _ still seeing people not doing that? is there now a push to _ still seeing people not doing that? is there now a push to tell- still seeing people not doing that? is there now a push to tell people i is there now a push to tell people to start _ is there now a push to tell people to start wearing _ is there now a push to tell people to start wearing the _ is there now a push to tell people to start wearing the mask - is there now a push to tell people to start wearing the mask now- is there now a push to tell people i to start wearing the mask now that we see _ to start wearing the mask now that we see that — to start wearing the mask now that we see that the _ to start wearing the mask now that we see that the president - to start wearing the mask now that we see that the president has- to start wearing the mask now that| we see that the president has covid was mac— we see that the president has covid was mac i_ we see that the president has covid was mac i can't— we see that the president has covid was mac i can't remember- we see that the president has covid was mac i can't remember off- we see that the president has covid was mac i can't remember off the l we see that the president has covid l was mac i can't remember off the top of my— was mac i can't remember off the top of my head _ was mac i can't remember off the top of my head where _ was mac i can't remember off the top of my head where dc— was mac i can't remember off the top of my head where dc is _ was mac i can't remember off the top of my head where dc is on— was mac i can't remember off the top of my head where dc is on the - of my head where dc is on the map, i'm of my head where dc is on the map, i'm not— of my head where dc is on the map, i'm not going — of my head where dc is on the map, i'm not going to— of my head where dc is on the map, i'm not going to do— of my head where dc is on the map, i'm not going to do this... _ of my head where dc is on the map, i'm not going to do this. . ._ i'm not going to do this... bottom line is we follow _ i'm not going to do this... bottom line is we follow cdc _ i'm not going to do this... bottom line is we follow cdc guidelines. l i'm not going to do this... bottom | line is we follow cdc guidelines. in terms _ line is we follow cdc guidelines. in terms of— line is we follow cdc guidelines. in terms of mask wearing based on cdc covid _ terms of mask wearing based on cdc covid community levels. will terms of mask wearing based on cdc covid community levels.— covid community levels. will the - resident covid community levels. will the president resume _ covid community levels. will the president resume public- covid community levels. will the president resume public events | covid community levels. will the | president resume public events if covid community levels. will the - president resume public events if he tests negative — president resume public events if he tests negative within _ president resume public events if he tests negative within five _ president resume public events if he tests negative within five days - president resume public events if he tests negative within five days or - tests negative within five days or will the _ tests negative within five days or will the white — tests negative within five days or will the white house _ tests negative within five days or will the white house be - tests negative within five days or will the white house be more . will the white house be more cautious? _

will the white house be more cautious? ~ will the white house be more cautious?— will the white house be more cautious? ~ ., , , , cautious? we do cdc guidelines, but we to cautious? we do cdc guidelines, but we go beyond _ cautious? we do cdc guidelines, but we go beyond them. _ cautious? we do cdc guidelines, but we go beyond them. he _ cautious? we do cdc guidelines, but we go beyond them. he will - cautious? we do cdc guidelines, but we go beyond them. he will isolate l we go beyond them. he will isolate for five _ we go beyond them. he will isolate for five days and he will return to normal _ for five days and he will return to normal activities after he has had a negative _ normal activities after he has had a negative test. we normal activities after he has had a negative test-— negative test. we saw that video that the president _ negative test. we saw that video that the president put _ negative test. we saw that video that the president put out, - negative test. we saw that video that the president put out, what| that the president put out, what precautions— that the president put out, what precautions that _ that the president put out, what precautions that you _ that the president put out, what precautions that you take - that the president put out, what precautions that you take for - that the president put out, what| precautions that you take for the person— precautions that you take for the person who _ precautions that you take for the person who filmed _ precautions that you take for the person who filmed that - precautions that you take for the person who filmed that video? . precautions that you take for the person who filmed that video? i i precautions that you take for the person who filmed that video? i want to touch on — person who filmed that video? i want to touch on a — person who filmed that video? i want to touch on a few— person who filmed that video? i want to touch on a few things, _ person who filmed that video? i want to touch on a few things, look, - person who filmed that video? i want to touch on a few things, look, we i to touch on a few things, look, we heard from the doctor, his personal doctor and he has mild symptoms and he is continuing to do the work of the presidency from his residence mac i think that is important and to your question, april, every person reacts to covid differently. it is a hypothetical. we are going to keep an eye, the doctors going to keep an eye on him, i think what is important and eye on him, i think what is importantand i eye on him, i think what is important and i really want to take this opportunity to say this and dr jha said this as well is that he is vaccinated and double boosted, which gives him which makess —— which puts

him in a good position. just like every other american that is why we fought so hard to get the therapies and to get everybody vaccinated and boosted. he has mild symptoms and he is going to continue to do his work as we have seen from the video. in the video that you saw, the videographer was there with him he wore an and 95 mask and had the appropriate distance, of six feet. the same situation as well with the photo. —— n95. he was outside. in the photo he took off his mask so the photo he took off his mask so the american people can see him and see the work that he is doing and that he is sitting at his desk continuing to do his work. go ahead.

where there any considerations given about— where there any considerations given about any— where there any considerations given about any other — where there any considerations given about any other treatments _ where there any considerations given about any other treatments besides l about any other treatments besides paxlovid? _ about any other treatments besides paxlovid? l— about any other treatments besides paxlovid? ~' . ., paxlovid? i think there are two choices for— paxlovid? i think there are two choices for therapies. - paxlovid? i think there are two choices for therapies. there i paxlovid? i think there are two | choices for therapies. there are people — choices for therapies. there are people who get both. it is a decision— people who get both. it is a decision that is made —— that was made _ decision that is made —— that was made with— decision that is made —— that was made with his personal doctor. i also _ made with his personal doctor. i also know— made with his personal doctor. i also know that doctor o'connor spoke with infectious disease experts and that was— with infectious disease experts and that was part of the plan. we planned _ that was part of the plan. we planned that if the president got infected — planned that if the president got infected we would consult with experts — infected we would consult with experts. he did and based on that that was— experts. he did and based on that that was a — experts. he did and based on that that was a recommendation that doctor— that was a recommendation that doctor o'connor made. and the president— doctor o'connor made. and the president accepted that. so doctor o'connor made. and the president accepted that.- doctor o'connor made. and the president accepted that. so he gets paxlovid and _ president accepted that. so he gets paxlovid and things _ president accepted that. so he gets paxlovid and things get _ president accepted that. so he gets paxlovid and things get worse - president accepted that. so he gets| paxlovid and things get worse would he go _ paxlovid and things get worse would he go to— paxlovid and things get worse would he go to the — paxlovid and things get worse would he go to the secondary— paxlovid and things get worse would he go to the secondary therapy? - he go to the secondary therapy? doctor— he go to the secondary therapy? doctor o'connor— he go to the secondary therapy? doctor o'connor is— he go to the secondary therapy? doctor o'connor is going - he go to the secondary therapy? doctor o'connor is going to - he go to the secondary therapy? | doctor o'connor is going to drive that process with consultation of experts — that process with consultation of experts i— that process with consultation of experts. i think he's going to make

decisions _ experts. i think he's going to make decisions based on what is happening with the _ decisions based on what is happening with the president and his condition. the president is feeling well, _ condition. the president is feeling well, he _ condition. the president is feeling well, he described it himself is feeling — well, he described it himself is feeling fine with mild symptoms. we have feeling fine with mild symptoms. have seen feeling fine with mild symptoms. we have seen with rebound cases second courses _ have seen with rebound cases second courses of— have seen with rebound cases second courses of paxlovid, _ have seen with rebound cases second courses of paxlovid, if— have seen with rebound cases second courses of paxlovid, if he _ have seen with rebound cases second courses of paxlovid, if he had - have seen with rebound cases second courses of paxlovid, if he had a - courses of paxlovid, if he had a rebound — courses of paxlovid, if he had a rebound case _ courses of paxlovid, if he had a rebound case would _ courses of paxlovid, if he had a rebound case would he - courses of paxlovid, if he had a rebound case would he get - courses of paxlovid, if he had a rebound case would he get a i courses of paxlovid, if he had a - rebound case would he get a second course? _ rebound case would he get a second course? at _ rebound case would he get a second course? . ., ., , , course? a lot of hypotheticals there of lots of things _ course? a lot of hypotheticals there of lots of things that _ course? a lot of hypotheticals there of lots of things that might - course? a lot of hypotheticals there of lots of things that might happen | of lots of things that might happen down _ of lots of things that might happen down the _ of lots of things that might happen down the road. it is hypothetical, the president feels fine right now. ithink— the president feels fine right now. i think we — the president feels fine right now. i think we will cross that bridge if that happens. really focused right now is— that happens. really focused right now is making sure the president does _ now is making sure the president does well — now is making sure the president does well. . now is making sure the president does well. , . , .., now is making sure the president does well. , . , ., . does well. this was call on a routine screening _ does well. this was call on a routine screening test. - does well. this was call on a routine screening test. he . does well. this was call on a l routine screening test. he was scheduled _ routine screening test. he was scheduled to _ routine screening test. he was scheduled to get _ routine screening test. he was scheduled to get his _ routine screening test. he was scheduled to get his test - routine screening test. he was scheduled to get his test this i scheduled to get his test this morning _ scheduled to get his test this morning and it came back positive and upon — morning and it came back positive and upon questioning, as i understand it, reported that yes, he

was feeling — understand it, reported that yes, he was feeling mild symptoms. just understand it, reported that yes, he was feeling mild symptoms.- was feeling mild symptoms. just to add, ou was feeling mild symptoms. just to add. you guys _ was feeling mild symptoms. just to add. you guys saw— was feeling mild symptoms. just to add, you guys saw him _ was feeling mild symptoms. just to add, you guys saw him yesterday, l was feeling mild symptoms. just to i add, you guys saw him yesterday, he was in massachusetts, he spoke for 20 minutes and 98 degrees weather it was incredibly hot, he was feeling fine. where most of us were looking for water and trying not to pass out, the president was delivering remarks on time and change. i want to add that as we have stated doctor o'connor will give updates daily on that. ~ . . . . that. was the president ever identified — that. was the president ever identified as _ that. was the president ever identified as a _ that. was the president ever identified as a close - that. was the president ever identified as a close contactl that. was the president ever i identified as a close contact of anybody — identified as a close contact of anybody else _ identified as a close contact of anybody else over _ identified as a close contact of anybody else over the - identified as a close contact of anybody else over the course i identified as a close contact of. anybody else over the course of 72-100 — anybody else over the course of 72—100 hours? _ anybody else over the course of 72—100 hours? hot— anybody else over the course of 72-100 hours?— anybody else over the course of 72-100 hours? not that i know of. the process. _ 72-100 hours? not that i know of. the process, the protocol- 72-100 hours? not that i know of. the process, the protocol process| 72-100 hours? not that l know of. i the process, the protocol process on close contact is... mas the process, the protocol process on close contact is. . ._ close contact is... was he a close contact to — close contact is... was he a close contact to somebody _ close contact is... was he a close contact to somebody else? - close contact is... was he a close contact to somebody else? that i close contact is... was he a close i contact to somebody else? that part i don't contact to somebody else? that part i don't know. — contact to somebody else? that part i don't know. i— contact to somebody else? that part i don't know, i cannot _

contact to somebody else? that part i don't know, i cannot speak- contact to somebody else? that part i don't know, i cannot speak to - contact to somebody else? that part i don't know, i cannot speak to it. i i don't know, i cannot speak to it. what i can say is our process, we are doing our process for close contact. ., . , , . , contact. how many people have been identified as — contact. how many people have been identified as close _ contact. how many people have been identified as close contact _ contact. how many people have been identified as close contact to - contact. how many people have been identified as close contact to him? i identified as close contact to him? we have _ identified as close contact to him? we have just — identified as close contact to him? we have just started _ identified as close contact to him? we have just started the _ identified as close contact to him? we have just started the process? | identified as close contact to him? . we have just started the process? we don't have a number to give you. i told you that he called the congressional members that travelled with him yesterday, but we are just starting out the process right now. has anyone else at the white house tested _ has anyone else at the white house tested positive _ has anyone else at the white house tested positive this _ has anyone else at the white house tested positive this week? - has anyone else at the white house tested positive this week? is - has anyone else at the white house tested positive this week?— tested positive this week? as we normally do. _ tested positive this week? as we normally do, if— tested positive this week? as we normally do, if they _ tested positive this week? as we normally do, if they are - tested positive this week? as we normally do, if they are in close | normally do, if they are in close contact with the president, we normally provide that information. when i tested positive and i was a close contact out of abundance of caution but because i travelled with him, i shared that information. we have a protocol that we will continue to follow when it comes to who is a close contact to the president and making sure that we make that clear and in december of

last year, when he was travelling and someone was a close contact to him, we shared that as well. we have been transparent on that.— been transparent on that. anyone else in the _ been transparent on that. anyone else in the west _ been transparent on that. anyone else in the west wing _ been transparent on that. anyone else in the west wing or- been transparent on that. anyone else in the west wing or the - else in the west wing or the white house _ else in the west wing or the white house positive _ else in the west wing or the white house positive right _ else in the west wing or the white house positive right now? - else in the west wing or the white house positive right now? rill- else in the west wing or the white house positive right now? till i - house positive right now? m“ can tell ou is house positive right now? m“ can tell you is our _ house positive right now? m“ can tell you is our protocol _ house positive right now? m“ can tell you is our protocol is if - house positive right now? m“ can tell you is our protocol is if they i tell you is our protocol is if they are on close contact with any of the principles, we share that information.— principles, we share that information. . ' ., information. let me ask n95 one final question. _ information. let me ask n95 one final question. we _ information. let me ask n95 one final question. we saw _ information. let me ask n95 one final question. we saw the i information. let me ask n95 one i final question. we saw the president standing _ final question. we saw the president standing six — final question. we saw the president standing six feet _ final question. we saw the president standing six feet away— final question. we saw the president standing six feet away and _ final question. we saw the president standing six feet away and the - standing six feet away and the person— standing six feet away and the person who _ standing six feet away and the person who was _ standing six feet away and the person who was filming - standing six feet away and the person who was filming was i standing six feet away and the l person who was filming was six standing six feet away and the - person who was filming was six feet away wearing — person who was filming was six feet away wearing a _ person who was filming was six feet away wearing a mask, _ person who was filming was six feet away wearing a mask, for— person who was filming was six feet away wearing a mask, for normal i away wearing a mask, for normal americans— away wearing a mask, for normal americans watching _ away wearing a mask, for normal americans watching right - away wearing a mask, for normal americans watching right now i away wearing a mask, for normal l americans watching right now what would _ americans watching right now what would your— americans watching right now what would your recommendation - americans watching right now what would your recommendation be i americans watching right now what would your recommendation be for| would your recommendation be for americans— would your recommendation be for americans who _ would your recommendation be for americans who are _ would your recommendation be for americans who are in _ would your recommendation be for americans who are in public- would your recommendation be for. americans who are in public positive with covid _ americans who are in public positive with covid right _ americans who are in public positive with covid right now? _ americans who are in public positive with covid right now? should - americans who are in public positive with covid right now? should they. with covid right now? should they wear _ with covid right now? should they wear a _ with covid right now? should they wear a mask? _ with covid right now? should they wear a mask? the— with covid right now? should they wear a mask?— wear a mask? the cdc guidance is clear, wear a mask? the cdc guidance is clear. people _ wear a mask? the cdc guidance is clear, people should _ wear a mask? the cdc guidance is clear, people should isolate i wear a mask? the cdc guidance is clear, people should isolate and l wear a mask? the cdc guidance is clear, people should isolate and if| clear, people should isolate and if they are _ clear, people should isolate and if they are going to be in close contact _ they are going to be in close contact with anybody else i should definitely be wearing a mask. the president— definitely be wearing a mask. the president was more than six feet away— president was more than six feet away from — president was more than six feet away from the camera person who was

wearing _ away from the camera person who was wearing a _ away from the camera person who was wearing a n95. it was outside in the video. _ wearing a n95. it was outside in the video. from — wearing a n95. it was outside in the video, from a safety point of view it was— video, from a safety point of view it was very— video, from a safety point of view it was very safe. i�*m video, from a safety point of view it was very safe.— it was very safe. i'm going to call on everybody- — it was very safe. i'm going to call on everybody. can _ it was very safe. i'm going to call on everybody. can you _ it was very safe. i'm going to call on everybody. can you explain i it was very safe. i'm going to calll on everybody. can you explain the testin: on everybody. can you explain the testing cadence _ on everybody. can you explain the testing cadence and _ on everybody. can you explain the testing cadence and the _ on everybody. can you explain the testing cadence and the rationalel testing cadence and the rationale behind _ testing cadence and the rationale behind it? — testing cadence and the rationale behind it? given— testing cadence and the rationale behind it? given the _ testing cadence and the rationale behind it? given the fact- testing cadence and the rationale behind it? given the fact that i testing cadence and the rationale behind it? given the fact that the president— behind it? given the fact that the president has— behind it? given the fact that the president has been— behind it? given the fact that the president has been travelling i behind it? given the fact that the j president has been travelling and having _ president has been travelling and having big — president has been travelling and having big events, _ president has been travelling and having big events, why— president has been travelling and having big events, why aren't- president has been travelling and l having big events, why aren't there daily tests? — having big events, why aren't there daily tests? the _ having big events, why aren't there daily tests?— daily tests? the testing cadence is decided by his _ daily tests? the testing cadence is decided by his personal _ daily tests? the testing cadence is decided by his personal physician i decided by his personal physician and he's — decided by his personal physician and he's tested very rarely. i don't think— and he's tested very rarely. i don't think there — and he's tested very rarely. i don't think there is a huge advantage of tastic— think there is a huge advantage of tastic every day. if think there is a huge advantage of tastic every day.— tastic every day. if he had tested esterda tastic every day. if he had tested yesterday morning _ tastic every day. if he had tested yesterday morning he _ tastic every day. if he had tested yesterday morning he might i tastic every day. if he had tested yesterday morning he might not| tastic every day. if he had tested i yesterday morning he might not have .one yesterday morning he might not have gone to— yesterday morning he might not have gone to that — yesterday morning he might not have gone to that trip and _ yesterday morning he might not have gone to that trip and not _ yesterday morning he might not have gone to that trip and not exposed i gone to that trip and not exposed people~ _ gone to that trip and not exposed eo - le. gone to that trip and not exposed --eole. , ., , people. the protocol behind the president's— people. the protocol behind the president's testing _ people. the protocol behind the president's testing has - people. the protocol behind the president's testing has been i president's testing has been developed by his personal doctor and has gone _ developed by his personal doctor and has gone through a lot of vetting. it is has gone through a lot of vetting. it is what — has gone through a lot of vetting. it is what we use to protect the

president and those around him. i don't _ president and those around him. i don't have — president and those around him. i don't have anything else to say beyond — don't have anything else to say beyond the protocol we have. like dr jha said, it beyond the protocol we have. like dr jha said. it is— beyond the protocol we have. like dr jha said, it is between _ beyond the protocol we have. like dr jha said, it is between the _ jha said, it is between the president and his personal doctor on that protocol. he has a regular cadence as we have spoken about before. we shared with all tuesday that he tested negative. and the reason... you saw him yesterday. he was speaking and fronting... that's right in front of many of your colleagues for 20 minutes on a very hot day and it was not until later in the day in the evening that he was feeling a little tired and he was tested today. this goes back to where we have come from where we started. the president has done the work to make sure that more than 200 million people in this country have been vaccinated. more than 100 million people in this country have been boosted, that is because we

have a comprehensive plan to make sure people get vaccinated so that they can be protected. and that is what is most important here. he has mild symptoms, he continues to work and like many americans, we have to make sure that we send out messages to get vaccinated and boosted. bare to get vaccinated and boosted. are there any regrets about the amount of time _ there any regrets about the amount of time in _ there any regrets about the amount oftime in the — there any regrets about the amount of time in the recent _ there any regrets about the amount of time in the recent days _ there any regrets about the amount of time in the recent days and - there any regrets about the amounti of time in the recent days and weeks we've _ of time in the recent days and weeks we've seen— of time in the recent days and weeks we've seen him — of time in the recent days and weeks we've seen him unmasked _ of time in the recent days and weeks we've seen him unmasked shaking . we've seen him unmasked shaking hands, _ we've seen him unmasked shaking hands, hugging— we've seen him unmasked shaking hands, hugging people _ we've seen him unmasked shaking hands, hugging people close - we've seen him unmasked shaking l hands, hugging people close contact with crowd — hands, hugging people close contact with crowd in — hands, hugging people close contact with crowd. in retrospect _ hands, hugging people close contact with crowd. in retrospect was - hands, hugging people close contact with crowd. in retrospect was he i hands, hugging people close contact with crowd. in retrospect was he tooj with crowd. in retrospect was he too casual? _ with crowd. in retrospect was he too casual? ., . , , ., casual? no. i have said this before from this podium. _ casual? no. i have said this before from this podium. we _ casual? no. i have said this before from this podium. we havoc i from this podium. we havoc incredibly contagion variant and we have had _ incredibly contagion variant and we have had a — incredibly contagion variant and we have had a protocol that i think has done _ have had a protocol that i think has done a _ have had a protocol that i think has done a very— have had a protocol that i think has done a very good job protecting the president — done a very good job protecting the president. he is up—to—date on his vaccine _ president. he is up—to—date on his vaccine and — president. he is up—to—date on his vaccine and we have treatments. the president— vaccine and we have treatments. the

president wants to get out there and meet the _ president wants to get out there and meet the american people and engage and we _ meet the american people and engage and we always said that this was a possibilitv — and we always said that this was a possibility. i think i said it from the stage — possibility. i think i said it from the stage that it was a possibility. i think— the stage that it was a possibility. i think the — the stage that it was a possibility. i think the protocols have kept him from _ i think the protocols have kept him from getting infected and... but we knew— from getting infected and... but we knew that _ from getting infected and... but we knew that this was a possibility with this — knew that this was a possibility with this incredibly contagion variant _ with this incredibly contagion variant. the good news is his immune system _ variant. the good news is his immune system is _ variant. the good news is his immune system is very well protected given the four_ system is very well protected given the four vaccine shots he has gotten and he _ the four vaccine shots he has gotten and he is _ the four vaccine shots he has gotten and he is getting treatment, he has mild symptoms and he is feeling the _ mild symptoms and he is feeling the |_ mild symptoms and he is feeling fine. ., ., ., ,., mild symptoms and he is feeling fine. ., ., ., ., fine. i want to ask you about the president's _ fine. i want to ask you about the president's age, _ fine. i want to ask you about the president's age, he _ fine. i want to ask you about the president's age, he is _ fine. i want to ask you about the president's age, he is 79 - fine. i want to ask you about the president's age, he is 79 years l fine. i want to ask you about the i president's age, he is 79 years old. what _ president's age, he is 79 years old. what levet— president's age, he is 79 years old. what level of— president's age, he is 79 years old. what level of concerned _ president's age, he is 79 years old. what level of concerned is that - president's age, he is 79 years old. i what level of concerned is that when someone _ what level of concerned is that when someone test — what level of concerned is that when someone test positive? _ what level of concerned is that when someone test positive? tier?- what level of concerned is that when someone test positive? very simply, i would begin — someone test positive? very simply, i would begin with _ someone test positive? very simply, i would begin with what _ someone test positive? very simply, i would begin with what is _ someone test positive? very simply, i would begin with what is his - i would begin with what is his immune _ i would begin with what is his immune status and what are his

access— immune status and what are his access to — immune status and what are his access to treatments. and the bottom line access to treatments. and the bottom tine is— access to treatments. and the bottom tine is given— access to treatments. and the bottom line is given how much immunity he has from _ line is given how much immunity he has from vaccines and that he was given— has from vaccines and that he was given treatments right away like this morning, i think all of those things— this morning, i think all of those things very— this morning, i think all of those things very dramatically reduce his risk of— things very dramatically reduce his risk of serious illness and that is the goat— risk of serious illness and that is the goal here. to prevent serious illness _ the goal here. to prevent serious illness i— the goal here. to prevent serious illness. i think he has gotten that full set _ illness. i think he has gotten that full set of— illness. i think he has gotten that full set of protections to mac in terms — full set of protections to mac in terms of— full set of protections to mac in terms of monitoring his oxygen how will that— terms of monitoring his oxygen how will that be — terms of monitoring his oxygen how will that be done?— terms of monitoring his oxygen how will that be done?_ i l will that be done? hourly, daily? i don't actually _ will that be done? hourly, daily? i don't actually know. _ will that be done? hourly, daily? i don't actually know. what - will that be done? hourly, daily? i don't actually know. what i - will that be done? hourly, daily? i don't actually know. what i will. will that be done? hourly, daily? i| don't actually know. what i will say is that _ don't actually know. what i will say is that he _ don't actually know. what i will say is that he is — don't actually know. what i will say is that he is monitored very regulartx _ is that he is monitored very regularly. he is feeling well, his oxygen— regularly. he is feeling well, his oxygen level was checked this morning — oxygen level was checked this morning and it was normal. the exact frequency— morning and it was normal. the exact frequency of— morning and it was normal. the exact frequency of that is a decision between _ frequency of that is a decision between him and his physician. you said it does —

between him and his physician. you said it does not matter where he got it, said it does not matter where he got it. trut— said it does not matter where he got it. but how _ said it does not matter where he got it. but how can— said it does not matter where he got it, but how can that _ said it does not matter where he got it, but how can that not _ said it does not matter where he got it, but how can that not matter? - said it does not matter where he got it, but how can that not matter? it. it, but how can that not matter? it involves _ it, but how can that not matter? it involves contact _ it, but how can that not matter? it involves contact tracing? - it, but how can that not matter? it involves contact tracing? what - it, but how can that not matter? it involves contact tracing?— it, but how can that not matter? it involves contact tracing? what i was t in: to involves contact tracing? what i was trying to say — involves contact tracing? what i was trying to say is _ involves contact tracing? what i was trying to say is what's _ involves contact tracing? what i was trying to say is what's important - trying to say is what's important now is that he has mild symptoms, is that he is working from the residence on the half of the american people. that is our focus. we knew this was going to happen as drjha said. when hejoined me at the briefing not too long ago, he said, this... everyone at some point is going to get covid. what is important is to make sure that you get the treatment that we have provided for people whether it is getting vaccinated, making sure you getting vaccinated, making sure you get boosted and then we have paxlovid which was made available because of this president. the moment that we are in is what matters is what i'm trying to say. as we are talking about the

president and his treatment and how he is feeling and how he is continuing to work on behalf of the american public i'm going to move on. ., american public i'm going to move on, ., ., american public i'm going to move on. ., ., ., , on. you said that he was feeling fine yesterday — on. you said that he was feeling fine yesterday during _ on. you said that he was feeling fine yesterday during his - on. you said that he was feeling fine yesterday during his speech on. you said that he was feeling - fine yesterday during his speech and then he _ fine yesterday during his speech and then he started _ fine yesterday during his speech and then he started to— fine yesterday during his speech and then he started to feel— fine yesterday during his speech and then he started to feel tired - fine yesterday during his speech and then he started to feel tired later. then he started to feel tired later on in _ then he started to feel tired later on in the — then he started to feel tired later on in the evening. _ then he started to feel tired later on in the evening. i— then he started to feel tired later on in the evening. i want - then he started to feel tired later on in the evening. i want to- on in the evening. i want to clarify. _ on in the evening. i want to clarify. can _ on in the evening. i want to clarify, can you _ on in the evening. i want to clarify, can you say- on in the evening. i want to clarify, can you say exactlyl on in the evening. i want to- clarify, can you say exactly when he started _ clarify, can you say exactly when he started feeling _ clarify, can you say exactly when he started feeling mild _ clarify, can you say exactly when he started feeling mild symptoms? - clarify, can you say exactly when he started feeling mild symptoms? i. started feeling mild symptoms? cannot say exactly when. i can started feeling mild symptoms?“ cannot say exactly when. i can say he told us this morning that he had out runny nose and a dry cough, he was a little bit fatigued. he said he had a restless sleep and when that occurred, he got the antigen test and tested positive and was given a pcr test. i cannot pinpoint the exact moment. and you know, we were transparent. i got... we put out a statement as soon we did the test and were able to put out the

information. we sent out the letter. we will have daily updates from his doctor on his status.— doctor on his status. karine jean-pierre _ doctor on his status. karine jean-pierre there _ doctor on his status. karine jean-pierre there the - doctor on his status. karinei jean-pierre there the white doctor on his status. karine - jean-pierre there the white house jean—pierre there the white house secretary joined jean—pierre there the white house secretaryjoined by drjha the white house covid coordinator giving us more details about the condition and also the treatment programme for the president forjoe biden who has tested positive wave covid. barbara has been monitoring this for as. this urge for transparency a lot of detail. very clear. very clear that the president is feeling fine and 0k. , ., ., ., ., , the president is feeling fine and 0k. yes, a lot of details about his -h sical 0k. yes, a lot of details about his physical symptoms. _ 0k. yes, a lot of details about his physical symptoms, so _ 0k. yes, a lot of details about his physical symptoms, so we - 0k. yes, a lot of details about his physical symptoms, so we were i 0k. yes, a lot of details about his i physical symptoms, so we were told that they were mild. he had a runny nose and fatigue and a dry cough, but he only actually reported them after he tested positive for covid

this morning. he continues to work although he is isolated. the white house tweeted out a photo of him sitting at a desk and smiling and put out a video to mac they said that he called various lawmakers that he called various lawmakers that he called various lawmakers that he had been meaning to meet on a trip to pennsylvania that had to be cancelled. emphasising that his oxygen levels are normal and that he is going to be monitored regularly. stressing again and again that he is fully vaccinated, he is getting this anti—viral treatment. that they expect his symptoms to remain mild. from what we hear, it is the kind of covid that many people are getting now with this latest variant although they could not confirm which one it was. one that is very contagious but also less severe than its predecessors.— its predecessors. there will be concern given _ its predecessors. there will be concern given the _ its predecessors. there will be concern given the age - its predecessors. there will be concern given the age of- its predecessors. there will be concern given the age of the l concern given the age of the president, but they are absolutely

adamant saying that he is being looked after very, very carefully. a lot of the reporters were saying and trying to ascertain when and where he potentially could have been infected. and that this was a routine test, it was not that he had the symptoms and then was tested, it was that it was a routine, scheduled test. , , , ., , ., test. yes, the testing protocols are re test. yes, the testing protocols are pretty ingrained — test. yes, the testing protocols are pretty ingrained in _ test. yes, the testing protocols are pretty ingrained in the _ test. yes, the testing protocols are pretty ingrained in the white - test. yes, the testing protocols are i pretty ingrained in the white house for the president and also for the people who interact with him. now perhaps a little bit less than there used to be that people in his immediate orbit the same. that is very much established. the press spokeswoman did kind of shut it down when people asked where did he get it saying that that was not the point, that the point is that his symptoms are mild and he has done everything he could and needed to in order to keep it that way. she

cannot really say, can she? we never know where people really get covid. it is true he has been out much more in recent months. he was very isolated during his candidacy and his first year of his presidency. but he has been out much more, meeting people, and attending indoor events without a mask, travelling. he was in saudi arabia and israel last week and there were photographs of him shaking hands and putting his arm around people. we cannot say where he got it, but we know he has been much more open about getting out and meeting people. yes. been much more open about getting out and meeting people.— been much more open about getting out and meeting people. yes, but the messaue out and meeting people. yes, but the message and — out and meeting people. yes, but the message and very _ out and meeting people. yes, but the message and very clear, _ out and meeting people. yes, but the message and very clear, he _ out and meeting people. yes, but the message and very clear, he is - out and meeting people. yes, but the message and very clear, he is fine - message and very clear, he is fine and doing well and he is feeling good. rate was a word that was being used. thank you very much for monitoring all this. —— great was a word that was used. that was about the condition of the president of the condition of the president of the united states who has tested

positive for covid. as we were hearing throughout that press conference he is doing great. he is fine and fully vaccinated. i will be back soon. hello, while the temperatures have been fairly comfortable for most of us today. and we could also do with a bit more rain certainly gardeners and growers would agree. the showers and growers would agree. the showers and thunderstorms will be very hit or miss over the next day or two. there is a lot of cloud across the country and you can see the latest satellite picture. most of it will not bring any rain. showers and thunderstorms which might develop over the evening and into tomorrow will be most likely across southern and western parts of the uk. for many of us, it will be a dry night and a close one. temperatures will be around iii degrees widely. here is

a forecast for tomorrow. some showers across northern england, but the chance of these downpours across parts of the southwest, wales, into the midlands as well. maybe the south coast as well. some of us will miss them altogether. temperatures tomorrow with the cloud and showers a little bit lower around 22 or 23 in the south, more typically will be averaging around 19. here is saturday's weather map and a low pressure front is approaching which means increasing cloud and some rain for some of us. through the course of saturday and sunday, we will see hotter air wafting in from the continent. it looks as temperatures will start to rise for a time in the south and the southeast. as well as eastern parts of the uk. not towards the west. notice the atlantic

weather fronts moving the west. notice the atlantic weatherfronts moving in. outbreaks of rain hit or miss again. temperatures around 20 or so, but look at london on saturday 27. mid 20s widely. there could be showers around through the course of sunday early in the day, but it will be the hotter air spreading from france into the southeast which will allow temperatures to peak at around 30 degrees. out towards the west and northwest, with the atlantic influence, it is going to be a fresher day which showers at around 20. goodbye.

this is bbc news, the headlines. rishi sunak and liz truss go head—to—head with a tax policy as they set out their pitches to the members of the conservative party. what is not affordable is putting up taxes, choking off growth and ending up taxes, choking off growth and ending up in a much worse position. her leadership _ up in a much worse position. her leadership rival says borrowing £30 billion to fund tax cuts would be inflationary. if billion to fund tax cuts would be inflationary-— billion to fund tax cuts would be inflationa . ., ., , inflationary. if the government goes on a hue inflationary. if the government goes on a huge borrowing _ inflationary. if the government goes on a huge borrowing spree, - inflationary. if the government goes on a huge borrowing spree, that - inflationary. if the government goesi on a huge borrowing spree, that will only make _ on a huge borrowing spree, that will only make the situation worse and that will— only make the situation worse and that will mean this problem we have gobber— that will mean this problem we have gobber last longer. in that will mean this problem we have gobber last longer.— gobber last longer. in scotland, calls to step _ gobber last longer. in scotland, calls to stop punishing - gobber last longer. in scotland, calls to stop punishing addicts l gobber last longer. in scotland, i

calls to stop punishing addicts if it is to end its