President Biden to Attend G-20 Summit in India Following Negative COVID Tests

President Joe Biden is set to travel to New Delhi, India, for the Group of 20 summit despite recent exposure to COVID-19. The decision to proceed with the trip comes after first lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID, leading to her isolation at their Delaware home. President Biden has tested negative four times since her diagnosis and remains asymptomatic.

The President’s visit to Asia includes planned meetings with leaders from leading global economies at the G-20 summit, with a subsequent stop in Vietnam on Sunday. Public health experts suggest that, given his negative test results and the absence of symptoms, there is no compelling reason for President Biden to cancel the trip.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend individuals who have been in close contact with a COVID-positive person should get tested at least five days after exposure, regardless of their health status. They should also monitor for symptoms for at least 10 days. In President Biden’s case, this monitoring period would extend until September 14.

Experts advise that as long as President Biden continues to test negative, wears a mask when indoors and in close proximity to others, there is no need for him to alter his travel plans.

Dr. Philip Landrigan, Director of Boston College’s Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, stated that President Biden should be mindful of his circumstances and continue regular testing but does not see a reason for him to stay home.

Andrew Pekosz, a professor of molecular biology and immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, emphasized that the President’s use of masks, coupled with regular testing, minimizes the risk of transmission. Pekosz recommended that individuals who have been exposed to COVID wear masks consistently, even when in close proximity to others.

President Biden was tested on Thursday before embarking on his trip to India, and all accompanying staff were also tested. The White House confirmed that the President would adhere to CDC guidelines, including mask-wearing when in close proximity to others.

It is worth noting that President Biden’s adherence to mask protocols has been inconsistent on some occasions. Pekosz emphasized that individuals exposed to the virus should maintain at least six feet of distance from others and wear masks consistently, including before entering indoor spaces with others.

Should President Biden test positive for COVID while abroad, experts recommend he begins an antiviral treatment regimen immediately and isolates as much as possible. However, unlike the average American, the President could potentially isolate on Air Force One, minimizing exposure to others.