US Secretary of the Interior Also Tests Positive for COVID-19... Isolated Due to Asymptomatic Infection

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] David Bernhardt, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in isolation. The U.S. Department of the Interior stated that Secretary Bernhardt is asymptomatic and will continue to work while quarantined at home.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 16th (local time), Nicholas Goodwin, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of the Interior, said in a statement, "Secretary Bernhardt tested positive for COVID-19 today and is currently isolated due to being asymptomatic, but he continues to perform his duties." Due to his positive diagnosis, Secretary Bernhardt was unable to attend the cabinet meeting scheduled for that day, which was attended by President Donald Trump.

This news came after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was placed under quarantine. Earlier, Secretary Pompeo tested negative for COVID-19 but announced he was in isolation after contact with a confirmed case.

According to Bloomberg News, the Department of the Interior held an event last week unveiling portraits of former secretaries, after which COVID-19 cases began to surge. Following Secretary Bernhardt's positive diagnosis, the U.S. Department of the Interior reportedly canceled all year-end outdoor parties planned for the 17th.

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