Political | Process

Mr. Biden is the oldest person in U.S. history to assume the presidency. He is fully vaccinated and has also received two booster shots, most recently in late March, precautions that generally reduce the severity of illness.

Mr. Biden greeted supporters unmasked during an outdoor appearance in Somerset, Mass., on Wednesday, and traveled with members of Massachusetts’ Democratic delegation, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey.

In recent weeks, Mr. Biden has spent more time unmasked in large groups. White House officials acknowledged that the events posed risks, but they argued that it was important for Mr. Biden to project a sense of semi-normalcy as many Americans are opting to leave their homes, return to work and socialize with friends.

Officials said they are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

The president is tested for Covid-19 regularly, and people who come into contact with Mr. Biden also undergo testing, according to the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris previously tested positive for Covid-19, as have several administration officials, including second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Ms. Jean-Pierre.

Lower-level White House officials have also contracted the virus, people familiar with the matter said, as people around Washington increasingly participate in indoor social gatherings.

Mr. Biden received both doses of the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE on camera before his inauguration last January. The president received a Pfizer/BioNTech booster shot on Sept. 27, days after the Food and Drug Administration cleared the booster for people 65 and older. He received a second booster shot on March 30.

During his presidential campaign, Mr. Biden spent weeks at his Delaware home and limited his interactions with voters after resuming in-person campaigning in the summer. He was tested frequently for the virus, a practice that continued once he entered the White House.

In recent months, Mr. Biden has traveled regularly throughout the country and around the world, and has often appeared maskless at events. He returned from his four-day trip to the Middle East on Saturday, and traveled to Europe and Asia earlier this year.

Former President Donald Trump contracted the virus while in office in October 2020, before vaccines were available. He received treatment, including monoclonal antibodies, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

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