Jen Psaki COVID-19 positive, drops out of Biden’s convoy for Europe trip

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. In preparation of the upcoming Europe trip with US President and his convoy, she took a PCR test that came back positive.

Psaki confirmed that adhering to CDC guidelines, she will “no longer be traveling on the President’s trip to Europe.”

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“I had two socially-distanced meetings with the President yesterday, and the President is not considered a close contact as defined by CDC guidance. I am sharing the news of my positive test today out of an abundance of transparency,” she said in a statement.

US President Joe Biden “tested negative today via PCR test,” Psaki assured.

“Thanks to the vaccine, I have only experienced mild symptoms. In alignment with White House COVID-19 protocols, I will work from home and plan to return to work in person at the conclusion of a five-day isolation period and a negative test,” she added.

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At a series of emergency conferences in Europe this week, Biden and his other world leaders seek to finalise and reveal a package of fresh measures to punish Russia, assist Ukraine, and display Western solidarity.

However, aside from a dramatic wartime display of commitment, few observers believe whatever the leaders may agree on will be enough to end the killing in Ukraine or deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from continuing his increasingly harmful attacks on people.

According to many people familiar with the arrangements, American and European officials have been discussing potential announcements for leaders to make at the conclusion of the NATO leaders conference since it was first mentioned around two weeks ago.

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This might include further rounds of penalties on Russian oligarchs, additional measures to constrain the country’s finances, and new moves to limit Russian energy imports. Discussions are also taking place about what measures may be unveiled to provide further assistance to Ukraine, such as new supplies of military aid or financial aid to reinforce the country’s defences.