Washington: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the week he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was experiencing mild symptoms when quarantined at home.
In a Sunday night statement, Austin said he planned to attend the meeting and the main discussion virtually in the coming week “as far as possible.” He said Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks would represent him in the right things.
Austin said he last met with President Joe Biden on December 21, more than a week before he began to experience symptoms, and had tested the negative that morning.
“I have told my leadership team the results of my positive tests, and the president,” said Austin.
“My staff has begun to trace contacts and test everything with him I come into contact for the past week.” Austin, 68, said he was fully vaccinated and received a booster in October.
He said he asked for a week’s test after experiencing the temporary symptom at home during leave and, given the results, planning to stay in quarantine for five days, per guideline from the control center and prevention.
“Vaccines work and will remain military medical requirements for our workforce.
I continue to encourage everyone who qualifies for booster shots to get it.
It remains a problem of readiness,” he said.
In October, other members of the Biden Cabinet, Secretary of the Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, was tested positive for Covid-19.
Austin said he last met with President Joe Biden on December 21, more than a week before he began to experience symptoms, and had tested the negative that morning.