Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and President Biden’s chief medical adviser, has tested positive for COVID-19 just four days after traveling to Worcester to attend a ceremony at his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, officials said.
A college spokesman said the university is not aware of any other positive cases stemming from the weekend ceremony.
Fauci, 81, is fully vaccinated against coronavirus — including two boosters. He is currently experiencing mild symptoms, the institute said in a statement. He tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test on Wednesday, officials said.
The institute told CNN that he is being treated with the antiviral medication Paxlovid.
Fauci will isolate and continue to work from his home. He has not recently been in close contact with President Biden or other senior government officials. Dr. Fauci will follow the COVID-19 guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical advice from his physician and return to the NIH when he tests negative.
Fauci attended a building rededication ceremony at Holy Cross on Saturday, where the university’s Integrated Science Complex was renamed in his honor. Over a thousand people crowded into a tightly packed atrium for about 30 minutes to hear Fauci and college officials speak. Few attendees donned masks.
Fauci wore a KN95 mask at certain points throughout the ceremony, but removed it to give a speech and talk with reporters.
A Holy Cross spokesman said the college was “thrilled” to welcome Fauci back to campus last weekend for his 60th class reunion and the dedication of the Anthony S. Fauci Integrated Science Complex.
“We are relieved to hear Dr. Fauci’s symptoms are mild, and wish him a very quick recovery,” Communications Director John Hill said. “Guests were encouraged to take a COVID test prior to coming to campus. We’re now aware of three positive cases among the 1,200-plus who joined us for reunion. The College will be reaching out to reunion attendees to notify them so they can monitor for symptoms and test if appropriate.”
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