The Omicron variant seems to be making its way to Capitol Hill after Rep. Ayanna Pressley announced she tested positive for COVID-19. She is experiencing mild symptoms but adds that she is fully vaccinated and will be quarantined.
“After experiencing Covid-like symptoms, this morning I received a positive, breakthrough Covid-19 test result,” Pressley said in a statement. “Thankfully, my symptoms are relatively mild, and I am grateful to be fully vaccinated and boosted. I am currently isolating and following all health protocols in order to mitigate further spread and keep my loved ones and community safe.”
The news came as a shock to many of her supporters and colleagues, who had come to know her as a vocal advocate for social justice and healthcare.
Pressley’s diagnosis underscored the ongoing threat of COVID-19, even as the country began to emerge from the worst of the pandemic. It also raised questions about the effectiveness of vaccines and boosters, and about the need for continued vigilance in the face of new variants of the virus.
Pressley is among about a dozen other lawmakers who tested positive, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell, Illinois Rep. Bobby Rush, and New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.