New Mexico state lawmaker says he has tested positive for coronavirus

New Mexico state Sen. Bobby Gonzales (D) said he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 

Gonzales confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday he tested positive for the virus Wednesday. 

The lawmaker is fully vaccinated and received his booster shot, said he experienced some mild nasal discomfort, according to The AP. 

Gonzales told the newswire he was scheduled to undergo another COVID-19 test at a local medical facility, adding he tested negative on Saturday before a meeting with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D). 

The state senator added he is comfortable sharing his medical condition with the public, and has already informed Senate leadership of his diagnosis out of concern of anyone who has been in close contact with him. 

“I have nothing to hide,” Gonzales said, according to AP. “The more people are aware of it, fine. That’s the world we are in today.”

News from the state senator comes amid the spread of the omicron variant, first detected in South Africa. 

Several U.S. states have already reported multiple cases of the omicron variant after the country endured a summer and early fall of delta variant infections. 

State lawmakers are required to show proof of vaccination to gain access to the Capitol during the current legislative session, The AP reported. 

Online participation in Senate proceedings is restricted in New Mexico. Therefore, Gonzalez’s quarantine period will not allow him to participate in Senate decisions, AP noted. 

The Hill has reached out to Sen. Bobby Gonzales (D) office for comment and more information.