A Pentagon chief has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms

Lloyd Austin Photographer: Olivier Douliery/AFP/Bloomberg

During his leave at home, Lloyd Austin developed symptoms of COVID-19 on Jan. 2 and was subsequently diagnosed with the virus.

“My symptoms are mild, and I am following my physician’s directions,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

According to Austin, he has not spoken with the president in the past week, and has not been in the Pentagon since Thursday when he met briefly -- but only with a few members of my staff -- while masked.

The CDC guidelines state that he remains in quarantine at home for five days, while he is able to participate in vital meetings and discussions virtually to ensure that he has a clear picture of his situation and will be able to make decisions accordingly.

“I will retain all authorities. Deputy Secretary Hicks will represent me as appropriate in other matters,” he said.

This remains a readiness issue," the defense chief said. "Vaccines have worked and they will continue to be a military requirement for our workforce."

3 Jan 2022