Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has tested positive for COVID-19 just days after he attended an event with President Biden.
A DHS spokesperson said that contact tracing was underway to determine who could have been infected by Mayorkas.
“Secretary Mayorkas tested positive this morning for COVID-19 after taking a test as part of routine pre-travel protocols,” DHS spokeswoman Marsha Espinosa tweeted on Tuesday. “He is experiencing only mild congestion; he is fully vaccinated and will isolate and work at home per CDC protocols and medical advice… Contact tracing is underway.”
Contact tracing is underway.
— Marsha (Catron) Espinosa (@MCatronDHS) October 19, 2021
“The diagnosis comes after Mayorkas attended the 40th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol alongside President Biden on Saturday,” Fox News reported. “While it was not clear what sort of contact the two men had, Biden mentioned Mayorkas by name at the event.”
“To Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas, thank you for being here and for the great job you’re doing for us,” Biden said at the event. “Thank you very, very much. And it’s a tough job.”
Fox News noted that “images from the event show Mayorkas stood close to Biden and first lady Jill Biden at one point during the outdoor event, without masks.”
