Pentagon chief tests positive for Covid-19

KABUL (Pajhwok): The US defense secretary has confirmed he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is showing “mild” symptoms.

In a statement from the Defense Department on Sunday, Lloyd Austin said: “I have informed my leadership team of my positive test result, as well as the president …”

Austin said he last met President Joe Biden on December 21 and tested negative that morning. He was last in the Pentagon on Thursday.

“I met briefly – and only – with a few members of my staff. We were properly masked and socially distanced throughout,” he said.

The Pentagon chief will remain at home for the next five days in accordance with guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control.

Last week, CDC shortened the recommended times that people should isolate when they’ve test positive for Covid-19 from 10 days to five days if they don’t have symptoms.

Austin 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.”

PAN Monitor/mud

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