US Secretary of State Blinken Tests Positive for COVID-19

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has tested positive for COVID-19 via a PCR test.

“The Secretary is fully vaccinated and boosted against the virus and is experiencing only mild symptoms,” said Ned Price, Department Spokesperson.

“He tested negative on Tuesday and again as recently as this morning,” added Price in a Wednesday, May 5, 2022 statement.

He said the Secretary has not seen President Biden in person for several days, and the President is not considered a close contact according to guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In accordance with the CDC guidelines and in consultation with the Department’s Bureau of Medical Services, the Secretary will isolate at home and maintain a virtual work schedule.

“He looks forward to returning to the Department and resuming his full duties and travels as soon as possible,” Price noted.

He added: “Secretary Blinken is grateful to the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who provide the State Department workforce with exemplary health services around the world and encourages all Americans who are eligible to get fully vaccinated and boosted in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from developing severe COVID-19 disease.”