Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter announces positive COVID-19 test

Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter (D) announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus in a breakthrough case. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Carter shared that he has been diagnosed with COVID-19, adding that he is experiencing cold-like symptoms. 

“I am so thankful to be fully vaccinated and have received my booster shot, measures which are highly protective against more severe symptoms and illness,” Carter said in his statement. 

“I will isolate while recovering and will continue to follow the guidance of the House Attending Physician. Throughout my isolation I will continue to work remotely on behalf of my constituents of southeast Louisiana,” he continued.

Carter also took time to thank health care workers “who have been working tirelessly throughout this public health crisis to protect all of us.” 

“If you have not yet been vaccinated or boosted, please take this as a sign and get your shot today. Along with wearing masks, vaccinations are the best way to protect ourselves, our health systems, and our communities,” Carter concluded. 

Carter’s announcement comes as a number of other lawmakers, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Young Kim (R-Calif.), have announced in recent weeks that they tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated and boosted.

This comes as the U.S. is currently dealing with a winter surge of COVID-19 infections as the highly transmissible omicron variant spreads across the nation.