Pete Buttigieg in quarantine after a member of his security team tests positive for Covid

Pete Buttigieg in quarantine after member of his security deal tests positive for coronavirus

Credit: Michael Caterina/Sotu Bend Tribune

Former US presidential candidate and newly-appointed Transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, has gone into quarantine after a member of his security detail tested positive for coronavirus.

Mr Buttigieg, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate last week, is the first member of the Biden cabinet to be forced into quarantine.

The agent was with Mr Buttigieg on Monday morning and his proximity meant he was considered a close contact.

Mr Buttigieg since tested negative for Covid-19 and has not been displaying any symptoms.

He has also received a first dose of the vaccine and will have his second jab once his period of quarantine is complete.

Mr Buttigieg’s spokesman said he would remain in quarantine for 14 days and follow recommendations from the Centres for Disease Control.

The coronavirus ran rampant in Mr Trump’s White House with the president and a number of senior aides contracting the disease.