Second gentleman Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, according to a statement from his office. Emhoff, who is fully vaccinated and has received three booster shots, experienced mild symptoms before testing positive. As of now, he is asymptomatic, working remotely, and isolating at home to prevent further spread of the virus.
Vice President Kamala Harris has tested negative for COVID-19 and remains asymptomatic, as confirmed by her communications director, Liza Acevedo. Harris was tested out of an abundance of caution following Emhoff’s positive result. The couple was recently seen at the White House celebrating Independence Day with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
The White House has not yet disclosed whether President Biden has been tested following Emhoff’s diagnosis. The news of Emhoff’s positive test comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned of a rise in COVID-19 infections in 44 states and territories. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, noted that new variants of the virus, such as KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1, are contributing to the uptick in cases. These variants are described as “immunoevasive,” meaning they can affect individuals with prior immunity.
Emhoff’s positive test is a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, even as the world attempts to return to pre-pandemic norms. The virus continues to spread, fueled by new variants that can evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. This situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.
Vice President Harris has been actively traveling across the United States as part of the Biden administration’s “Summer of Engagement” tour. She has participated in over 60 trips across 20 states since the beginning of 2024. Harris is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s 71st Boule in Dallas on Wednesday, aiming to engage key constituencies for the Biden campaign, including Black, women, and young voters.
Emhoff’s positive test is not his first encounter with COVID-19. He previously tested positive in March 2022, and Harris tested positive a month later, though she remained asymptomatic. The couple’s experience highlights the persistent nature of the virus and the potential for reinfection, even among those who are fully vaccinated and boosted.
The Biden administration continues to navigate the complexities of the pandemic while promoting vaccination and booster shots as key tools in combating the virus. The recent rise in cases serves as a reminder that COVID-19 remains a significant public health concern, requiring ongoing efforts to mitigate its impact.
As the situation evolves, the White House and public health officials will likely continue to monitor and respond to new developments. The administration’s focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the American public while striving to return to a sense of normalcy.
Source: CNN, Fox News, WHYY
