WASHINGTON | US President Joe Biden has received two negative tests for COVID-19 after five days of confinement and treatment for the disease and can now be released from his isolation, his doctor announced in a letter published on Wednesday by the White House.

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"Last night, and again this morning, he tested negative," wrote Dr. Kevin O'Connor, adding that Joe Biden, "with these reassuring results," will "end his strict isolation measures ".

The 79-year-old Democratic president had tested positive on Thursday July 21 with “very mild symptoms” and had since retired to his White House apartments, continuing his work remotely.

A speech by the president scheduled for 11:30 a.m. was announced immediately after.

Joe Biden "completed his five-day treatment with Paxlovid (an antiviral drug) 36 hours ago," said Dr. O'Connor, adding that he remained "without fever" and that his state of health had improved. “gradually improved and his symptoms (had) almost disappeared”.

The doctor also indicates in his letter that the president, the oldest to hold the reins of power, will wear a mask for the next ten days when he is surrounded and tested more regularly.

Joe Biden is vaccinated against COVID-19 and received two booster doses.