Washington. January 4th. INTERFAX - Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin is still suffering from COVID-19 coronavirus in mild form, according to doctors' recommendations, he will spend five more days in self-isolation, US Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday.
"He still shows mild symptoms of the disease, he follows the instructions of doctors to stay at home for five days in accordance with the recommendations of the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - IF)," Kirby said during a briefing.
He stressed that Austin performs his duties from home - in a virtual format.
At the same time, the representative of the US Department of Defense added that he did not know whether anyone else from high-ranking Pentagon employees had contracted the coronavirus.
The day before, Austin announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
"This morning I received a positive test result for COVID-19. I requested a test today after I developed symptoms while I was at home on vacation. My symptoms are mild and I am following my doctor's instructions," Austin said in a statement released by the Pentagon.
He noted that he will remain in home quarantine for five days. The US Secretary of Defense noted that he "will retain all powers," although his deputy Kathleen Hicks will represent him "as necessary in other matters."
"I informed my management team about the positive test result, as well as the president. My employees started tracking contacts and checking all those with whom I came into contact over the past week," Austin added.
He stressed that he met with Joe Biden on December 21. The same morning he had a negative result.