Jill Biden: US first lady tests positive for Covid-19

Diagnosis comes only days after president Joe Biden overcame the virus

US first lady Jill Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 after experiencing “cold-like symptoms”, her press office announced on Tuesday.

The positive test result comes after a family holiday on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, from which Ms Biden was due to depart for Washington along with President Joe Biden.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina has hosted PGA golf tournaments and has stellar views of the Atlantic Ocean. Photo: Kiawah Island Golf Resort

US President Joe Biden rides a bicycle on the beach on Kiawah Island. Reuters

Mr Biden and a pack of Secret Service agents take a beach ride. AFP

First lady Jill Biden rides her bicycle along the beach while on vacation on Kiawah Island. AFP

Mr Biden is an avid bike rider. Reuters

Mr Biden and his son, Hunter, attend mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on John's Island, South Carolina. AFP

Hunter Biden, his wife Melissa Cohen and their son Beau follow the presidential couple as they board Marine One at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Reuters

Hunter Biden holds his son Beau's hand as they walk down the steps of the aircraft. AP

The beast, as the presidential limousine is known, goes wherever the Bidens go. AP

Mr Biden walks with grandson Beau upon their return to Washington. AP

Mr Biden with daughter-in-law Melissa Cohen leaving the Kiawah Island Beach Club at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. AP

Mr Biden with son Hunter. AP

Mr Biden walks on the beach with granddaughter Natalie and daughter Ashley in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. AP

Mr Biden introduces his granddaughter to the members of the media as they walk on the beach together with daughter Ashley. AP

A statement from Ms Biden's communications director Elizabeth Alexander said she was experiencing mild symptoms and would isolate in South Carolina for at least five days, in line with Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

Ms Biden is double-vaccinated and twice-boosted and so far, Mr Biden has tested negative.

“The president tested negative for Covid this morning on an antigen test,” read a statement released by the White House.

“Consistent with CDC guidance, because he is a close contact of the first lady, he will [wear a] mask for 10 days when indoors and in close proximity to others. We will also increase the president's testing cadence and report those results.”

Mr Biden recently overcame a bout of Covid-19, only days before the family left for their summer holiday.

He was still expected to return to Washington himself this afternoon to sign the major Inflation Reduction Act into law.