Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday as cases continue to surge across the country.
On Monday, Col. Dave Butler, spokesperson for the Joint Staff, announced Milley’s positive test result, noting that the general is isolating himself.
“Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley is working remotely and isolating himself from contact with others after a positive COVID-19 test yesterday,” Butler said in a statement.
Milley is experiencing “very minor symptoms” and will continue to work remotely until he can return to in-person work. The general had received the COVID-19 vaccine as well as the booster shot.
All other members of the Joint Chiefs except one tested negative for the virus on Sunday. Butler did not specify which member was the other positive test.
However, shortly after Milley’s test result was announced, Marine Col. Kelly Frushour informed the Military Times that the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David Berger, also tested positive for COVID-19.
“The performance of his duties will remain unaffected,” Frushour said.
Milley last had contact with President Biden on Jan. 12 at the funeral for Gen. Ray Odierno, according to the statement.
“[Milley] tested negative several days prior to and every day following contact with the President until yesterday,” the spokesperson noted.
The general is the second Pentagon official to test positive for the coronavirus this month as members of Congress and White House officials have been hit by the latest surge.
On Jan. 2, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed he tested positive for the virus and was experiencing mild symptoms.
While Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US surgeon general, has warned the last surge has not yet peaked, the White House is making 500,000 tests available to order this week in hopes to curb the spread.
