US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Tests Covid Positive, Under Home Quarantine For 'Next Five Days'

The United States, Defence Secretary Llyod Austin tested positive for Covid-19 he issued a statement in which he stated that he met President Joe Biden on December 21.

US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin (Image Source: AFP)

New Delhi: The United States, Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin tests positive for Covid-19 and is currently under home quarantine for at least the next five days he said in a statement, by the US Department of Defense on Sunday, reported AFP.

"I tested positive this morning for Covid-19. I requested the test today after exhibiting symptoms while at home on leave," Austin added that his symptoms are mild and he is following his physician's directions.

"In keeping with those directions, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, I will quarantine myself at home for the next five days," he added, AFP reported.

The Pentagon chief said that he is going to attend upcoming key meetings virtually.

"Stemming the spread of this virus, safeguarding our workforce and ensuring my own speedy and safe recovery remain my priorities. 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. Deputy Secretary Hicks will represent me as appropriate in other matters," the statement read.

He specified that the last time he met with US President Joe Biden was on December 21 and the last time he visited the Pentagon was on Thursday.

"My last meeting with President Biden occurred on Tuesday, December 21st, more than a week before I began to experience symptoms. I tested negative that very morning. I have not been in the Pentagon since Thursday, where I met briefly - and only - with a few members of my staff. We were properly masked and socially distanced throughout," Austin said in the statement.