Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Sarah Lovenheim Gives Statement on HHS Secretary Becerra Recently Testing Positive for COVID-19

Yesterday, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra tested positive for COVID-19 in Sacramento, California.

This is the second time in the previous 30 days that Secretary Becerra has tested positive for the virus, after first testing positive on May 18 while waiting to meet health ministers at a G7 summit in Germany. Secretary Becerra was in Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas last week, though it is not clear whether that is where he contracted the virus.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Sarah Lovenheim issued the following statement yesterday:

“This morning in Sacramento, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra tested positive for COVID-19 after taking an antigen test. He is fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, and is experiencing mild symptoms. He will continue to perform his duties as HHS Secretary, working in isolation.

“The Secretary and his office have consulted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and are following all applicable CDC guidance.

“Secretary Becerra has not been considered a close contact of President Biden or Vice President Harris, as defined by the CDC. The Secretary remains engaged with the duties of his office from isolation, and is eager to return to in-person meetings, as quickly as possible.”