Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has mild symptoms.
Austin said he requested the test after exhibiting symptoms consistent with a COVID infection. The test came back positive. He is fully vaccinated and boosted and will isolate at home for the next five days.Â
“In keeping with those directions, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, I will quarantine myself at home for the next five days,” Austin said in a statement. “Stemming the spread of this virus, safeguarding our workforce and ensuring my own speedy and safe recovery remain my priorities.”
Austin last met with President Joe Biden on December 21, more than a week before he began experiencing symptoms and after a negative test.
Secretary Austin was at the Pentagon last Thursday for a brief meeting with his staff. All COVID protocols were observed.
