U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced he has tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing mild symptoms.
I tested positive for COVID. I’m both vaccinated and boosted and thankfully my symptoms are mild. If you have yet to get vaccinated and boosted, please don’t wait.
— Secretary Tom Vilsack (@SecVilsack) April 9, 2022
In a statement, the USDA says Vilsack is fully vaccinated and boosted. He had tested negative both before and after his recent trip to Mexico to meet with Mexican Agriculture Secretary Victor Villalobos on Apr. 4-5. Out of an abundance of caution, the Mexican government has been informed of Vilsack’s positive test.
Grateful to my friend and counterpart, @vmva1950, for his hospitality and collaboration during my visit to Mexico. We share a commitment to promote food security via open trade, science-based policies, inclusive rural development, and sustainable productivity growth. pic.twitter.com/ZfKI8u3T1I
— Secretary Tom Vilsack (@SecVilsack) April 5, 2022
Vilsack is the third member of President Biden’s cabinet to test positive for COVID-19 in the past week. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo have also tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. According to the Washington Post, Vilsack, Merrick and Garland were among those in attendance on Apr. 2 at the Gridiron Club dinner, a high-profile media event.
The USDA say Vilsack will remain in isolation until he has a negative test for the virus.