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San Diego CITD

The San Diego Center for International Trade Development

Defense Secretary Austin III test positive for COVID-19

January 3, 2022 by San Diego

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Jan 23, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. XaViera Masline)

SDCN Editor

Washington, D.C.–Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday morning while at home on leave.

Austin requested the test after exhibiting symptoms at his home. He stated his symptoms are mild and is under a doctor’s care. 

“In keeping with those directions, and in accordance with CDC guidelines, I will quarantine myself at home for the next five days,” Austin said in a press release. “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. I have informed my leadership team of my positive test result, as well as the President. My staff has begun contact tracing and testing of all those with whom I have come into contact over the last week.” 

Austin said his last meeting with President Biden occurred on Tuesday, December 21, more than a week before he began to experience symptoms. He tested negative that very morning. 

“As my doctor made clear to me, my fully vaccinated status — and the booster I received in early October — have rendered the infection much more mild than it would otherwise have been. And I am grateful for that,” he stated.

He says vaccines work and will remain a “military medical requirement” for the workforce. 

Austin is the principal assistant to President Biden in all matters relating to the Department of Defense and serves on the National Security Council.

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