WASHINGTON (AP), Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, said Sunday that she had contracted COVID-19. She is currently experiencing mild symptoms.
Psaki, 42 years old, stated that she last spoke with President Joe Biden Tuesday when she met him at the White House. They were 6 feet apart and wore masks. According to the White House, Biden, who is frequently tested, tested negative last Saturday.
Psaki was not accompanied by Biden to Rome for the Group of 20 summit this weekend and Glasgow, Scotland on Monday for a U.N. Climate summit.
Psaki had originally planned to travel with President Obama, but he cancelled the trip as soon as he was about to leave for Europe. He learned that several members of her family had been positive for COVID-19.
"I have been quarantined since then and have tested negative (viaPCR) for COVID on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday," Psaki stated in a statement. Today, however, I was positive for COVID.
Psaki, who has been fully vaccinated said that she only shows mild symptoms.
Psaki stated that although I have not been in close contact with the President or any other senior White House staff members since Wednesday, and I tested negative for the last four days, I am disclosing today's positive test because of an abundance of transparency."
Since before leaving Washington, White House staff members and other travelers with the president have been subject to daily COVID-19 testing. They are all fully vaccinated. Due to their close-quarters work environment and frequent travel, many officials have received booster shots.
Biden received his COVID-19 booster shortly after the third dose was approved by federal regulators.
Principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean Pierre accompanied Biden on the trip. Psaki stated that she would be returning to work after a 10-day quarantine period and following a negative rapid testing.
