In November, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin received a booster vaccine against COVID-19.
After testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be quarantined for five days away from the Pentagon.
Austin said in a statement posted Sunday evening that he took the test after “exhibiting symptoms” of the rapidly spreading illness. He defined his symptoms as mild and added that he was coordinating with his doctors to avoid any health issues.
“Stemming the spread of this virus, safeguarding our workforce and ensuring my own speedy and safe recovery remain my priorities,” the chief said. “To the degree possible, I plan to attend virtually this coming week those key meetings and discussions required to inform my situational awareness and decision making.
“I will retain all authorities [related to his military leadership role]. Deputy Secretary [Kathleen] Hicks will represent me as appropriate in other matters.”
Austin claimed he told the president about his diagnosis on Sunday. They haven’t been in the same room since Dec. 21, a week before Austin reported he was experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The White House had no immediate comment on the diagnosis.
Austin mentioned that he received both the COVID-19 immunization and a booster shot in early October of last year. Doctors told him that “my fully vaccinated status … have rendered the infection much more mild than it would otherwise have been. And I am grateful for that.”
I tested positive this morning for COVID-19. I requested the test today after exhibiting symptoms while at home on leave. My symptoms are mild, and I am following my physician’s directions. 1/7
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) January 3, 2022
Last year, all active-duty troops and federal civilian workers were obliged to receive coronavirus immunizations in an effort to reduce the virus’s spread and severity. Defense officials have also revealed that they are discussing mandating the booster for all personnel, although no final decisions have been made.
In his message on Sunday, Austin reiterated his support for the shots.
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