US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced he tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Austin said he requested the test after experiencing symptoms at home.

He described his symptoms as mild and said he will quarantine for the next five days in accordance with guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Austin said he will retain all authorities and plans to attend key meetings and discussions virtually when possible.

He said he last met President Joe Biden on December 21, more than a week before he started experiencing symptoms.

Austin said he was fully vaccinated and received a booster in early October.

Austin's health condition could affect his schedule of upcoming meetings with other countries.

Japan and the United States have been arranging to hold an online meeting of their top diplomats and defense chiefs as early as January 7.

The defense chiefs from Japan, the US and South Korea are also preparing to meet in Hawaii in mid-January.