U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he tested positive for the novel coronavirus and that his symptoms are mild.
The announcement came just days ahead of a U.S.-Japan security meeting involving the two countries' foreign and defense ministers, which was initially planned for Washington but is likely to switch to a virtual format amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the United States.
Austin, 68, has been fully vaccinated and also received a booster shot for additional protection in October. It remains unknown whether he contracted the highly transmissible Omicron variant of the virus that has been sweeping across the United States.
Austin tested positive Sunday morning after exhibiting symptoms while at home on leave, according to his statement. He will quarantine himself for the next five days, in line with the guidelines of the country's health protection agency.
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
The defense chief said he plans to attend meetings planned this week virtually "to the degree possible" and will retain all authorities.
Austin also said his last meeting with President Joe Biden took place on Dec. 21, more than a week before he began to experience symptoms.
Daily COVID-19 cases in the United States have been hitting record highs, with more than 400,000 infections being reported in recent days, according to data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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