Biden Tests Negative for COVID-19, to Don Mask After First Lady’s Positive Test

President Joe Biden tested negative for COVID-19 but will start wearing a mask inside as part of a cautious approach, the White House said on Sept. 5. “Since the president was with the first lady yesterday, he will be masking while indoors and around people," press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in Washington, citing guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "He's going to be very cautious, he's going to wear a mask," Ms. Jean-Pierre added later. The CDC says that people who are exposed to COVID-19 should wear a mask as soon as they find out. They should keep wearing a mask and taking other precautions up to 10 days after the exposure even if they test negative, the public health agency recommends. First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. President Biden tested negative on Monday and Tuesday. Both the president, 80, and the first lady, 72, are in one of the highest-risk categories due to their age. On the other hand, COVID-19 metrics are at near-lows even with recent upticks in cases and hospitalizations. Ms. Biden, who was with her husband in Florida on Saturday, is still experiencing mild symptoms, the White House said. Ms. Biden will stay in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for the week.