January 1, Mayorkas tests positive for COVID-19 days after meeting with Biden

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson for the department announced Tuesday.

“Secretary Mayorkas tested positive this morning for the COVID-19 virus after taking a test as part of routine pre-travel protocols,” Marsha Espinosa, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, said in a statement. “Secretary Mayorkas is experiencing only mild congestion.”

Mayorkas is the highest-ranking Biden administration official to reveal he tested positive for the coronavirus.

In July, the White House changed its policy regarding the disclosure of positive COVID-19 tests, saying it would publicly disclose officials who test positive only if they have had close contact with the president, vice president, first lady, or second gentleman.

Mayorkas attended a ceremony on Saturday with President Biden to mark the 40th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service.

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DHS Secretary Mayorkas tests positive for COVID-19, days after event with Biden