17 Dec

The US State Department says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in quarantine after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus.

The department made the announcement on Wednesday. It said it would not identify the person with whom Pompeo came into contact for privacy reasons.

It added that Pompeo had tested negative and is being closely monitored by the department's medical team.

The Washington Post reports Pompeo hosted an indoor holiday party for diplomats' families on Tuesday. He canceled his speech and brought in a substitute speaker. It's not known whether Pompeo's quarantine is linked to the event.

More than 300,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.

Experts had slammed Pompeo for his decision to host a party during the outbreak.

NHK