US defense chief tests positive for COVID-19

WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has tested positive for COVID-19, he confirmed in a statement Sunday.

Austin said he asked to be tested after experiencing symptoms while at home on leave.

"My symptoms are mild, and I am following my physician’s directions," he said.

"As my doctor made clear to me, my fully vaccinated status — and the booster I received in early October — have rendered the infection much more mild than it would otherwise have been. And I am grateful for that," he added.

The defense chief will quarantine at home for the next five days.

"Stemming the spread of this virus, safeguarding our workforce and ensuring my own speedy and safe recovery remain my priorities," he said.

Austin will attend virtual meetings and discussions this week while retaining all authorities. He said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks will represent him as appropriate in other matters.

"I have informed my leadership team of my positive test result, as well as the President. My staff has begun contact tracing and testing of all those with whom I have come into contact over the last week," he added.

The US has recently seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases because of the omicron variant.

The country now has more than 55 million cases and 826,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data.