US Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19.
A statement from her press secretary said Ms Harris, 57, had “exhibited no symptoms” and will isolate while continuing to work.
“She will follow CDC guidelines and the advice of her physicians. The Vice President will return to the White House when she tests negative”, it added.
Image: Harris will isolate while she continues to work from her residence. Pic: AP
The White House said neither US President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden were considered a “close contact” of Ms Harris in recent days.
She received her first dose of the Moderna vaccine weeks before taking office and a second dose just days after Inauguration Day in 2021.
She then received a booster shot in late October and an additional booster on 1 April.
Infections have risen in some parts of the US due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, even as cases are falling overall, according to public health officials.
Administration officials have said recently that Joe Biden’s regular contact with advisers and supporters could expose him to the virus.
Image: Harris participated in activities at the White House on 18 April during the White House Easter Egg Roll. Pic: AP
In recent weeks Ms Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, her communications director Jamal Simmons, White House press secretary Jen Psaki and deputy press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, disclosed positive tests.
The vice president was in California last week, leaving Washington following the Easter Egg roll last Monday. She had limited public events during the California visit, which included a fundraiser, and returned to Washington on Monday night.
The positive result came from rapid and PCR tests.
