Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense of the United States, reported this Sunday that he tested positive for COVID-19.
"This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I requested the test today, after showing symptoms while at home," said the 69-year-old Pentagon chief.
"My symptoms are mild and I follow my doctor's instructions," he added.
"In accordance with those instructions and in accordance with CDC guidelines,
I will self-quarantine at home for the next five days
."
Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, said he is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and also received the booster dose.
Austin said his last contact with the president, Joe Biden, occurred during a meeting on Tuesday, December 21, more than a week before he began to experience symptoms.
"I have not been to the Pentagon since Thursday, where I met briefly (and only) with a few members of my staff. We wore face masks and practiced social distancing at all times," he said.
The Secretary of Defense assured that he is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus and that he received the booster dose in early October.
The United States surpassed 55 million cases of coronavirus on Sunday, amid a new wave of infections enhanced by the highly transmissible omicron variant.
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More than 825,000 Americans have died from the virus since the start of the pandemic, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
About 62% of the United States population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Austin said he
will attend virtual meetings if possible while in quarantine.
“I have informed my leadership team of my positive test result, as well as the president.
My staff has begun to track and carry out contact tests of all those with whom I have come in contact during the last week, "he added in the statement.