US Defense Secretary Austin contracts Covid-19

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin photographed in October 2021

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reported Sunday that he has contracted Covid-19, as the highly infectious Omicron variant sweeps across the United States.

Austin's symptoms were "mild" and he will quarantine at home for the next five days, the Pentagon chief said in a statement.

"The vaccines work and will remain a military medical requirement for our workforce," Austin said. "I continue to encourage everyone eligible for a booster shot to get one."

He will retain all authority and attend key meetings and discussions virtually "to the degree possible," he said in the statement.

Several prominent members of Congress recently revealed they had tested positive for the virus. Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki contracted Covid-19 in October. 

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Originally published as US Defense Secretary Austin contracts Covid-19