President Biden Tests Positive For COVID-19 While Visiting Las Vegas

Shortly after it was reported that President Joe Biden was enjoying Mexican food in a small restaurant in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that he tested positive for COVID-19.

Not long after Vegas locals reported that traffic was bad in one particular area due to Biden's visit, the White House released a statement that revealed the President tested positive for COVID-19.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Biden, 81, tested positive "following his first event in Las Vegas."

"He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms. He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time," Jean-Pierre said. "The White House will provide regular updates on the President's status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation."

It's been reported that Biden tested for COVID after presenting with upper respiratory symptoms, according to a statement by Biden's doctor that was released by the White House.

His symptoms include a runny nose, cough, and "general malaise," according to the statement. His doctor shared that Biden has already taken his first dose of Paxlovid, a medication that can help reduce the chance of hospitalization or death.

After testing positive for COVID-19, Biden's Wednesday afternoon appearance was canceled.

"Regrettably, I was just on the phone with President Biden and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon. The president has been at many events, as we all know, and he just tested positive for COVID," Janet Murguia, president of UnidosUS said.

Biden was expected to speak at the group's event Wednesday afternoon and was 90 minutes late when the announcement was made.

The announcement that Biden had to cancel was met with frustration. Murguia shared that Biden didn't want to put "anybody at risk" and would speak to the conference at a later date.

"He's just really sorry he couldn't be with us and obviously we share that disappointment," Murguia said. "But we've seen how COVID has still impacted many in our community still."

Just one hour before the announcement of Biden's COVID diagnosis, Vegas locals were sharing information in the "Neighbors" section of the Ring App that there was extreme traffic near the restaurant he was visiting.

Some posted about police activity while others shared they were stuck in traffic near Lindo Michoacan, a popular locally-owned Mexican restaurant on East Desert Inn Road, only a few miles away from the Las Vegas Strip.

One person on the app even said they saw "police on the roof" and another said they were stuck in traffic for 20 minutes, thinking there was an accident at first.

While in Vegas campaigning, Biden spoke at the 115th NAACP National Convention on Tuesday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

He discussed "the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to advancing racial justice and equity for all Americans, including Black Americans."

The theme of this year's convention was "All In" with a goal to "reaffirm our commitment to using our collective ingenuity, creativity, and strength to continue the fight for civil rights and social justice."

During his speech, Biden urged everyone to reject political violence.

"Now, just because we must lower the temperature in our politics as it relates to violence doesn't mean we should stop telling the truth," Biden told the audience.