Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Sunday night that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Austin is fully vaccinated and had a booster shot. His doctor told him his case would be more severe if he hadn’t had all three shots, Austin said in a statement.

“The vaccines work and will remain a military medical requirement for our workforce,” Austin said. “I continue to encourage everyone eligible for a booster shot to get one. This remains a readiness issue.”

Austin said he has not had contact with the President since Dec. 21 and has had limited activity at the Pentagon. He will work from home this week, with Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks filling in for him when necessary.

DOD photo by Lisa Ferdinando