This time the health news is real. Joe Biden has COVID.

The White House announced Wednesday that the president has tested positive for COVID-19, and is experiencing “mild symptoms.”

Biden has been put on Paxlovid, an antiviral drug that lessens the severity of the illness. Of course, Biden has been double vaxed and boosted.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden “will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence.”

Biden’s handlers have taken great pains to shield the 79-year-old high-risk senior citizen from COVID. For example, before his trip to the Middle East, Israeli officials were told the president would not be shaking any hands. (He ended up doing so anyway.) And of course, he spent the 2020 campaign in his basement, with his scarce public appearances requiring great efforts at social distancing. Remember the circles? 

One Day After Biden Cancer Gaffe

The news of the COVID diagnosis comes one day after Biden ignited a frenzy by saying he has cancer. Specifically, “That’s why I and so d*** many other people I grew up with have cancer … ” The White House quickly corrected the record, stating Biden was referring to his past bout with skin cancer. 

We join the rest of the nation in praying for Biden’s quick recovery from the virus, and that there are no lingering effects. 

Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream, chief barista for The Brew and co-author, with John Zmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl at GETTR, Gab, Parler, and now at TRUTH Social.