US Defense Chief Tests Positive for COVID
Voice of America
16 Aug 2022, 05:05 GMT+10
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Monday he tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time this year and is experiencing mild symptoms.
The Pentagon chief said in a statement that he will continue to work a normal schedule but do so virtually from home. Austin said he would quarantine for the next five days in accordance with CDC guidelines and "retain all authorities.'
In January, Austin, 69, also contracted COVID-19.
"Now, as in January, my doctor told me that my fully vaccinated status, including two booster shots, is why my symptoms are less severe than would otherwise be the case," he said.
Austin said he would continue to consult closely with his doctor in the coming days.
The defense chief urged all Americans to get vaccinated, saying the inoculations "continue to both slow the spread of COVID-19 and to make its health effects less severe."
Austin said his last in-person contact with President Joe Biden was July 29.
Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on July 21 and came out of isolation July 27. He tested positive again on July 30 and spent another week in isolation.
Some information in this report came from The Associated Press.
Subscribe and Follow
Get a daily dose of Austin Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
News RELEASES
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Austin Globe.
More Information
82
℉
Marlins take early lead, hold on to beat Mets
Pablo Lopez pitched six innings, JJ Bleday hit a two-run homer and the visiting Miami Marlins knocked the New York ...
Bailey Ober fans 10 as Twins shut out White Sox
Bailey Ober allowed two hits over 7 1/3 innings and Matt Wallner hit a two-run homer to lead the Minnesota ...
Cubs squeak by Phillies thanks to Yan Gomes
Marcus Stroman allowed one run over seven strong innings, and Yan Gomes' second hit of the night broke a tie ...
US: Commerce Secy Raimondo welcomes India's participation in IPEF
Washington [US], September 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday ...
Thunder acquire F Maurice Harkless from Hawks
The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired forward Maurice Harkless and a 2029 second-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday in ...
Dolphins, ailing Tua seek 4-0 start on visit to Bengals
The streaking Miami Dolphins are seeking their first 4-0 start since 1995 when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday ...
New Covid booster shots received by low 4.4 million
WASHINGTON D.C.: In the past three weeks, the latest campaign to offer a second Covid booster shot has seen 4.4 ...
1.1 million Teslas in U.S. recalled for software update
AUSTIN, Texas: Due to increased risks caused by a fault in its automatic window reversal system, electric vehicle maker Tesla ...
US: Commerce Secy Raimondo welcomes India's participation in IPEF
Washington [US], September 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday ...
Dolphins, ailing Tua seek 4-0 start on visit to Bengals
The streaking Miami Dolphins are seeking their first 4-0 start since 1995 when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday ...
Power 5 Hot Seats: Auburn's Bryan Harsin vaults to top
A trio of Power 5 football coaches have already lost their jobs and the calendar hasn't hit October. With Scott ...
Power 5 Hot Seats: Auburns Bryan Harsin vaults to top
A trio of Power 5 football coaches have already lost their jobs and the calendar hasn't hit October. With Scott ...
