According to her, Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary, has developed COVID-19 and is having mild symptoms.
Psaki stated in a statement on Sunday that she last spoke with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, when she met him in the White House, where they were separated by more than 6 feet and wearing masks.
According to the White House, Biden, who is tested periodically, last tested negative on Saturday.
Psaki, 42, did not accompany Biden on his trips to Rome for the Group of 20 meetings this weekend and Glasgow, Scotland, for a United Nations climate summit on Monday.
Psaki said she had planned to travel with Obama but had to cancel the trip shortly before he was to leave for Europe after learning that her family members had tested positive for COVID-19.
"I've been quarantined and tested negative [via PCR] for COVID on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday since then," Psaki stated in a statement. "However, I was recently diagnosed with COVID."
Psaki, who is wholly vaccinated, claims to be experiencing just minor symptoms.
"While I have not had close contact in person with the President or senior members of the White House staff since Wednesday – and tested negative for four days after that last contact," the press secretary added, "I am disclosing today's positive test out of an abundance of transparency."
Before leaving Washington, DC, White House personnel and anyone traveling with the president has been subjected to daily COVID-19 tests and have all been adequately vaccinated. Due to the tight quarter's environment and frequent travel involved with their jobs, many officials have gotten booster shots.
On September 27, Biden received his COVID-19 booster, just days after federal authorities approved the third dose for many Americans.
Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's principal deputy press secretary, is accompanying him on the trip.
Since taking office in January, Psaki has been the most high-profile member of the Biden administration to contract COVID-19.
She stated that she would return to work in person after a 10-day quarantine and a quick negative test.
