Updated Mar 27, 2022 - Politics & Policy

White House deputy press secretary tests positive for COVID after Europe trip

Rebecca Falconer

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre conducts a daily press briefing at the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on February 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. — White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a February press briefing at the White House. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Sunday night she's tested positive for COVID-19 following a trip to Europe with President Biden, but he's not considered a close contact.

What she's saying: "I last saw the President during a socially distanced meeting yesterday, and the President is not considered a close contact as defined by CDC guidance," Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"Thanks to being fully vaccinated and boosted, I have only experienced mild symptoms. In alignment with White House COVID-19 protocols, I will work from home and plan to return to work in person at the conclusion of a five-day isolation period and a negative test," she added.

Flashback: White House press secretary Jen Psaki tested positive for the coronavirus last Tuesday and said Biden was not considered a close contact following two socially distanced meetings she had with him.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional comment from White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and details of White House press secretary Jen Psaki's positive test.

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White House deputy press secretary tests positive for COVID after Europe trip

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