Missouri House Democrat becomes latest to test positive for COVID-19

Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (D) has become the latest congressional lawmaker to test positive for COVID-19 in a breakthrough case. 

“This afternoon, I tested positive for COVID-19. While I am experiencing very minor cold-like symptoms, because I am vaccinated and boosted, I am confident that I will be protected from severe illness,” Cleaver said in a statement on Wednesday. 

Cleaver also said in his statement he will isolate himself from others and continue to work remotely until he is experiencing no symptoms and has completed his quarantine. 

“As always, I am thankful for the all of the frontline health care heroes who have worked tirelessly over the past two years to keep the American people safe and healthy during this global pandemic. I encourage every American to get vaccinated and boosted against this deadly virus. It could save your life,” Cleaver concluded. 

Cleaver’s announcement comes as a number of other U.S. lawmakers including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezLouisiana Rep. Troy Carter announces positive COVID-19 test Joining Pelosi, Hoyer says lawmakers should be free to trade stocks Schumer prepares for Senate floor showdown with Manchin, Sinema MORE (D-N.Y.), Jim CooperJim CooperLouisiana Rep. Troy Carter announces positive COVID-19 test Maryland Democrat announces positive COVID-19 test Colorado Democrat latest House member to test positive for COVID-19 MORE (R-Tenn.), Sean CastenSean CastenLouisiana Rep. Troy Carter announces positive COVID-19 test Maryland Democrat announces positive COVID-19 test Colorado Democrat latest House member to test positive for COVID-19 MORE (D-Ill.), and Young KimYoung KimLouisiana Rep. Troy Carter announces positive COVID-19 test Colorado Democrat latest House member to test positive for COVID-19 Maryland Democrat experiencing mild symptoms after positive COVID-19 test MORE (R-Calif.) announced that they have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past month.

In a statement, Fellow Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) also announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus. 

This comes as the U.S. is currently dealing with a winter surge of COVID-19 infections as the omicron variant has taken hold across the nation.