Three vaccinated U.S. senators — a Republican, a Democrat, and an Independent — separately announced that they have just joined the increasing numbers of COVID-positive lawmakers this summer, according to a report.
The three senators — Independent senator Angus King from Maine, Republican Roger Wicker from Mississippi, and Democrat John Hickenlooper from Colorado — all announced Thursday that their tests turned out to be positive for COVID-19.
The first announcement came from Senator Wicker’s office. According to the statement from Senator Wicker’s office, he had mild symptoms which prompted him to get tested.
His spokesman, Phillip Waller, said: “Senator Wicker tested positive this morning for the COVID-19 virus after immediately seeking a test due to mild symptoms. Senator Wicker is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, is in good health, and is being treated by his Tupelo-based physician. He is isolating, and everyone with whom Senator Wicker has come in close contact recently has been notified.”
A few hours following Senator Wicker’s announcement, King’s office also said that the senator had himself tested as he was “feeling under the weather.”
King said that he’s being careful that he doesn’t spread the virus. “While I am not feeling great, I’m definitely feeling much better than I would have without the vaccine. I am taking this diagnosis very seriously, quarantining myself at home and telling the few people I’ve been in contact with to get tested in order to limit any further spread,” he said.
Democrat senator John Hickenlooper’s announcement came much later in the afternoon, via Twitter.
His post read: “I’m feeling much better and will continue to isolate at the direction of the Congressional Attending Physician. I’m grateful for the vaccine (and the scientists behind it) for limiting my symptoms and allowing us to continue our work for Colorado. If you haven’t been vaccinated, don’t wait for the virus — get the shot today, and a booster when it’s available too!”
These three senators are the latest lawmakers to test positive, according to a CNN report. The news about these senators comes after Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina announced that he’d tested positive earlier this month. A few other U.S. House members had also announced that they contracted the coronavirus.
Luckily, the Senate is in its August recess and is scheduled to return in session next month.
