U.S. Treasury Chief Yellen Continues Duties Remotely After COVID-19 Diagnosis

Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, has been diagnosed with COVID-19 but continues to fulfill her responsibilities remotely. This development comes approximately one year and one month before the current date.

Treasury spokesperson Lily Adams confirmed that Yellen experienced symptoms and subsequently tested positive for the virus. Despite the diagnosis, the 78-year-old official remains engaged in her duties while working from her residence. Adams stated that Yellen will continue this arrangement until she is cleared to return to the Treasury offices.

The diagnosis followed Yellen's return from a three-day tour promoting the Biden administration's economic initiatives. Her trip, which concluded about a week before the positive test result, included stops in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Austin, Texas. During these visits, Yellen focused on highlighting investments related to the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly in clean energy and the Internal Revenue Service.

"Secretary Yellen will continue to work from home until she can return to Treasury offices."

Yellen's recent activities underscore her pivotal role in advancing the administration's economic agenda. As the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, she brings a wealth of experience to her position. Prior to her current role, Yellen chaired the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018, making her the first person to have led the White House Council of Economic Advisers, the Federal Reserve, and the Treasury Department.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which Yellen was promoting, was signed into law on August 16, 2022, approximately two years and one month before the current date. This legislation aims to lower prescription drug costs and increase clean energy use, aligning with the administration's economic and environmental goals.

Yellen's diagnosis comes more than four years after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Throughout her career, Yellen has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, qualities that will likely serve her well as she navigates this health challenge while maintaining her professional responsibilities.

Beyond her government roles, Yellen has made significant contributions to the field of economics. She has been a professor emerita at the University of California, Berkeley since 1999 and received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2020. Her extensive publication record covers a wide range of macroeconomic issues, further solidifying her status as a leading economic thinker.

As the Treasury Department, established in 1789, continues its operations under Yellen's remote leadership, her experience and dedication remain crucial in guiding U.S. economic policy during these challenging times.