US defence secretary positive for Covid-19 for second time

US defence secretary positive for Covid-19 for second time
August 16, 2022, 6:38 am

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to Defense Department personnel during a visit by U.S. President Joe Biden at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., February 10, 2021. (Reuters)

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said on Monday (August 15), he was self-isolating at home after testing positive for the coronavirus for a second time.

Austin, who said he was experiencing mild symptoms, plans to isolate for five days, in according with US health guidelines.

"I will retain all authorities and plan to maintain my normal work schedule virtually from home," he said.

His last face-to-face contact with US President Joe Biden was late last month, he said.

Austin, who is vaccinated with two booster shots, had previously been infected with Covid-19 in January, the DPA reported, according to the Anews.

Apart from Moderna, partners Pfizer Inc and BioNTech have also been testing versions of their mRNA vaccine modified to combat Omicron variants - Photo. Pixabay

Separately, Britain has become the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine that targets both the original and omicron variant of the virus.

Biden tests negative following coronavirus diagnosis; will address reporters in-person

The UK medicines regulator (MHRA) approved the so-called bivalent vaccine made by U.S. drug company Moderna as a booster for adults, media report said.

Apart from Moderna, partners Pfizer Inc and BioNTech have also been testing versions of their mRNA vaccine modified to combat Omicron variants.

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