U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin tested positive for COVID

{O/C} U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is now among those tested positive for COVID.

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This, as he said in a statement last night that he plans to attend key meetings and discussions virtually, insofar as he's able.

Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks would represent him when deemed necessary.

Austin said he last met with U.S. President Joe Biden on December 21st, more than a week before he began to experience an onset of symptoms, though he tested negative that morning.

Austin added his staff has begun contact tracing and testing of all those with whom he had come into contact over the last week.

Austin tested positive despite having been fully vaccinated and boosted. He's now in self-quarantine for five days in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.