Buttigieg quarantines after security detail tests positive for COVID-19

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has begun to quarantine after a member of his security detail tested positive for the coronavirus.

Laura Schiller, Buttigieg's chief of staff, said President Joe Biden's transportation chief had been in close contact with the security agent but had not shown any symptoms of COVID-19.

Buttigieg will quarantine for two weeks, she said.

"In addition to the agent, Secretary Buttigieg underwent routine PCR testing for COVID-19 ... and COVID-19 was not detected," Schiller said in a statement Monday.

Schiller added that Buttigieg has already received a first dose of coronavirus vaccine and will get the booster shot after he is out of quarantine.

"Secretary Buttigieg will take all necessary steps to ensure there is no spread, including quarantining for a period of 14 days and will continue to follow all other CDC guidelines," Schiller said.

In an interview with CNN Monday, Buttigieg said the agent who'd tested positive has also showed no symptoms.

"He feels alright, as well," he said. "He's not having any symptoms but he did test positive.

"Of course, as it is for so many Americans that have been through this, frustrating to be confined to quarters, especially frustrating to be separated from my husband, who was not exposed when I was."

Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind., was sworn in earlier this month and is the first openly gay person to be confirmed by the Senate for a Cabinet post.