Washington — Secretary of State Antony Blinken examined optimistic for COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon, the State Division introduced.
Blinken, who's absolutely vaccinated and boosted in opposition to the coronavirus, is experiencing delicate signs, based on Ned Worth, the State Division spokesperson. Whereas he examined damaging Tuesday and once more Wednesday morning, Blinken obtained a optimistic PCR check within the afternoon.
Worth stated the secretary of state has not seen President Biden "in individual for a number of days," and the president will not be thought of an in depth contact underneath Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention tips. Mr. Biden examined damaging for COVID-19 on Tuesday, White Home press secretary Jen Psaki instructed reporters. Blinken will isolate at house and conduct his work nearly.
"He appears to be like ahead to returning to the division and resuming his full duties and travels as quickly as attainable," Worth stated in a press release. "Secretary Blinken is grateful to the docs, nurses, and medical workers who present the State Division workforce with exemplary well being providers around the globe and encourages all Individuals who're eligible to get absolutely vaccinated and boosted with the intention to defend themselves and their family members from creating extreme COVID-19 illness."
Blinken is the most recent in a rising listing of prime officers throughout Washington who've examined optimistic for COVID-19 in latest months, becoming a member of Vice President Kamala Harris, Home Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Lawyer Common Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Blinken attended the White Home Correspondents' Affiliation dinner on Saturday and associated occasions over the weekend, and a number of other different attendees have since stated they'd examined optimistic. Proof of vaccination and a same-day damaging check have been required to attend the dinner itself, however different festivities all through the weekend had no such necessities.
The secretary was additionally on Capitol Hill final week testifying earlier than the Senate Overseas Relations Committee concerning the State Division's 2023 funds request.