Highlight
- Lloyd Austin said he was experiencing mild symptoms
- Also in January, Austin had contracted COVID and received a booster in October
- “I will continue to consult closely with my doctor in the coming days,” Austin said.
Lloyd Austin said on Monday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time. The United States Secretary of Defense said he is currently experiencing mild symptoms and will remain at home.
Austin, 69, said in a statement that he had been fully vaccinated and had received two boosters. He said he would quarantine according to CDC guidelines for the next five days and “maintain all officers and plan to maintain my normal work schedule from home.”
Austin said his last personal contact with President Joe Biden was on July 29.
Also in January, Austin had contracted COVID and received a booster in October.
“Now, like in January, my doctor told me that my fully immunized status, including two booster shots, is why my symptoms are less severe than would otherwise be the case,” Austin said.
“I will continue to consult closely with my doctor in the coming days,” he said.
“Vaccination continues to slow the spread of COVID-19 and make its health effects less severe. Vaccination remains a medical necessity for our workforce, and I continue to encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated and promoted,” Austin said.
Joe Biden’s COVID-19 History
US President Joe Biden originally tested positive on July 21 and began taking the anti-viral drug Paxlovid, which aims to reduce the chances of serious illness from the virus.
According to his doctor, Biden’s vital signs remained normal throughout the transition, but his symptoms included runny nose, cough, sore throat and body aches.
After several days of isolation, Biden tested negative on July 26. On July 27, he gave a speech in the Rose Garden, telling Americans that they can “live without fear” of the virus if they get booster shots, then test themselves for the virus. They get sick and seek treatment.
However, the US President caught a rare rebound case of COVID-19 on July 30, forcing him to isolate again.
He finally tested negative after a few days of isolation.
(with inputs from AP)
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