US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen Mark Milley tests positive for Covid-19

Gen Milley is experiencing 'minor symptoms' and last saw President Biden on January 12

The Pentagon said Gen Mark Milley has been fully vaccinated and has also received a booster. AP

US Gen Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has tested positive for Covid-19 and “is experiencing very minor symptoms”, the Pentagon said on Monday.

“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 [on Sunday]," Pentagon spokesman Dave Butler said in a statement.

He added that Gen Milley has been fully vaccinated and has also received a booster.

Gen Milley’s last contact with US President Joe Biden was on Wednesday, January 12, at Gen Raymond Odierno’s funeral, the statement said.

“He tested negative several days prior to and every day following contact with the president until yesterday,” Mr Butler said.

Shortly after Gen Milley's announcement, the US Marine Corps said that its commandant, Gen David Berger, has also tested positive for Covid-19. "The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen David Berger, has tested positive for Covid-19," the statement read. "The performance of his duties will remain unaffected," it added.

The news comes two weeks after US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin contracted Covid-19.

The Pentagon reduced its in-office workforce this month following a spike in Omicron cases.

Last August, the Pentagon issued a Covid-19 vaccine mandate for all service members or face punitive measures. But a federal judge this month barred the Department from punishing a group of Navy SEALs and other special forces members who refused the vaccine on religious grounds.