Vaccinated GOP Congressman Who Tested Positive: Americans Must ‘Remain Vigilant’ About Covid
Topline
A Republican congressman on Monday urged Americans to remain “vigilant” about coronavirus after testing positive for the virus despite being fully vaccinated, which comes as some public health experts are recommending local mask mandates to combat the Delta variant.
UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 17: Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., arrives for the House Republican leadership … [+]
CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Key Facts
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) said in a statement on Monday that while vaccines “provide a very high-degree of protection,” Americans “must remain vigilant in the fight against COVID-19.”
Buchanan didn’t offer specifics about what form that vigilance should take – Forbes has reached out to Buchanan’s office for clarification.
Buchanan was fully vaccinated earlier this year, his office said, and he is quarantining at home with “very mild flu-like symptoms.”
Studies have found that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are around 90% effective at preventing coronavirus infections – and that they can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms.
The development comes after Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Centers for Disease Control Director Rochelle Walensky voiced support for local mask mandates in areas with high case rates as the more infectious Delta variant spreads.
Key Background
Hospitalizations for coronavirus have risen nationwide as the Delta variant has surged, with a weekly average 30% higher than two weeks ago, according to data from the New York Times. As a result, some cities and states – including Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Mississippi – have instituted new, more restrictive public health guidelines in recent days.
Chief Critic
Some states have taken action to stop the reinstitution of coronavirus restrictions. At least eight states have passed laws barring schools from requiring face coverings: South Carolina, Iowa, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Arizona and Vermont.
Big Number
5. That’s how many Texas House Democrats, who fled to Washington last week in an attempt to block Republicans from passing a restrictive voting bill, have tested positive for coronavirus in recent days – all fully vaccinated. In addition to three members who tested positive on Saturday, the caucus announced two more cases on Sunday after a round of “precautionary testing.”
Comments