Kamala Harris positive for COVID-19, Biden not 'close contact'

Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House says.

It's a sharp new reminder of the persistence of the highly contagious virus even as the U.S. eases restrictions in a bid to revert to pre-pandemic normalcy.

Neither President Joe Biden nor first lady Jill Biden was considered a ``close contact'' of Harris in recent days.

The White House said Tuesday that Harris tested positive on both rapid and a PCR tests, and said she ``has exhibited no symptoms.''

Harris will isolate at her residence but continue to work remotely, and would only return to the White House once she tests negative for the virus.