House Republican from Texas tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Ron Wright (R-Texas) announced Thursday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in quarantine. 

The Texas congressman said he contracted the virus from a person he was in contact with last week. He began to quarantine Friday and will continue to do so until doctors clear him to go back to work, his statement says.

“I am experiencing minor symptoms, but overall, I feel okay and will continue working for the people of #TX6 from home this week,” Wright tweeted. 

This morning, I learned that I have tested positive for COVID-19.

I am experiencing minor symptoms, but overall, I feel okay and will continue working for the people of #TX6 from home this week.

My full statement: https://t.co/8JWwfNi0iz

— Ron Wright (@RepRonWright) January 21, 2021

“I encourage everyone to keep following CDC guidelines and want to thank all the medical professionals on the front lines who fight this virus head-on every single day,” Wright said in his statement, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The United States has had more than 400,000 people die from coronavirus since the pandemic began. Dozens of lawmakers have contracted the disease and Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R-La.) died of COVID-19 in December. His widow, Julia Letlow, is running for her late husband’s seat in a special election in March. 

Vaccines are being administered to millions of Americans in an effort to diminish the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the United States but strict guidelines for distributing the vaccine have caused the rollout to be slower than what health officials expected. Health professionals and the elderly are being prioritized for the vaccine. 

Companies are also beginning to offer their employees incentives like extra pay and time off if they get vaccinated.