Ayanna Pressley says she has tested COVID-19 positive in breakthrough case

Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D) announced Friday that she has tested positive for COVID-19 in a breakthrough case. 

“After experiencing COVID-like symptoms, this morning I received a positive, breakthrough COVID-19 test result. Thankfully, my symptoms are relatively mild, and I am grateful to be fully vaccinated and boosted,” Pressley said in a statement.

Pressley said that she has entered isolation and will follow public health guidelines, and she urged Americans to get fully vaccinated against the virus. 

“Vaccines save lives. With this unprecedented pandemic continuing to rage, I am deeply grateful for the scientists, researchers, and frontline healthcare workers who have worked tirelessly to develop vaccines that are safe and effective, and ensure that our communities are protected,” Pressley said. 

“I encourage everyone to do their part by getting vaccinated, boosted and masking up. I wish everyone a safe and happy new year and look forward to continuing to fight for the robust relief our communities in the Massachusetts 7th need and deserve,” she concluded. 

Pressley is the latest in a slew of lawmakers, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who have recently come down with COVID-19. 

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