Pentagon chief says he tested positive for COVID

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has tested positive for COVID-19 and was experiencing mild symptoms while quarantining at home.

 In a statement Sunday night, Austin said he plans to attend key meetings and discussions virtually in the coming week  and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks would represent him in appropriate matters. Austin said he last met with President Joe Biden on Dec. 21, more than a week before he began to experience symptoms, and had tested negative the morning of that day. Austin, 68, said he was fully vaccinated and received a booster in October.