US COVID-19 Response Icon Fauci Also Tests Positive for COVID-19 "Symptoms Are Mild"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Anthony Fauci, the symbolic figure leading the United States' COVID-19 response measures and an infectious disease authority, has reportedly contracted COVID-19 for the first time.

On the 15th (local time), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated in a press release, "Director Fauci tested positive on a rapid antigen test for COVID-19," adding, "He is exhibiting mild symptoms." This marks the first time that Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in the U.S. and also the White House's chief medical advisor, has been infected with COVID-19. It is known that he completed all four doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including two additional booster shots after the initial vaccination.

The NIH said, "Director Fauci has not had recent close contact with President Biden," and added, "He has been prescribed the oral COVID-19 treatment Paxlovid, has begun isolation work at home, and will return to the office once he tests negative again." Fauci was scheduled to appear at a U.S. Senate hearing on the same day to report on the federal government's COVID-19 response status and future plans, but the appointment was canceled due to his positive diagnosis.

Fauci has continuously warned about the risk of COVID-19 resurgence in the U.S. At the end of April, when the White House press corps dinner was held for the first time in three years since the COVID-19 outbreak, he criticized the event for lax prevention awareness and chose not to attend.

Meanwhile, Fauci, who is 81 years old this year, has been leading the U.S. infectious disease policy since shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. When the Trump administration attempted to lift COVID-19 lockdown orders citing economic downturn concerns, Fauci opposed this and clashed directly with former President Trump, becoming a political target of the hard-right in the U.S. However, after the Biden administration took office, President Biden appointed him as the chief medical advisor, and he has continued to lead the COVID-19 response to this day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.