United States President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Mr Biden was experiencing "mild symptoms" and has begun taking Paxlovid, an antiviral drug designed to reduce the severity of the disease.

Mr Biden has a runny nose and fatigue with an occasional dry cough, his physician Kevin O'Connor said on Thursday in a letter to the White House press secretary after the president tested positive for COVID-19.

The President's mild symptoms started Wednesday evening, Mr O'Connor said in the letter, adding that he anticipated Mr Biden would respond favourably to treatment.

Mr Biden will isolate at the White House and continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.

"Mr Biden 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," Ms Jean-Pierre said.

Mr Biden, 79, is fully vaccinated, after getting two doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shortly before taking office, a first booster shot in September and an additional dose on March 30.

The President wrote on social media that he was "doing great" and thanked people for their concern. 

Loading

Defying the odds

Up to this point, Mr Biden's ability to avoid the virus seemed to defy the odds, even with the testing procedures in place for those expected to be in close contact with him.

Prior waves of the virus swept through Washington's political class, infecting Vice-president Kamala Harris, Cabinet members, White House staffers and MPs.

However, Mr Biden has increasingly stepped up his travel schedule and resumed holding large indoor events where not everyone is tested.