Another Vaccinated Democrat Tests Positive For COVID Virus

Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio said on Monday that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and that he believed that his symptoms would probably have been much worse if he had not been vaccinated.

“While I’m currently experiencing mild symptoms, I’m grateful to have the protection of a safe and effective vaccine – and I know without it, this illness could be much, much worse,” said Ryan, who is currently running for Senate in Ohio.

Ryan, 48, said that he has self-quarantined and will cast his congressional votes from home. According to his office, he tested negative for the virus three times in less than two weeks before receiving a positive result.

Ten other fully vaccinated members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19: Republican Reps. Vern Buchanan of Florida, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Troy Nehls of Texas, Democratic Reps.Sharice Davids of Kansas, Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania and Darren Soto of Florida, as well as Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine.

Masks are required on the House of Representatives side of the Capitol complex, with a $500 penalty for those who break the rule on the House floor. Most legislators have complied with the safety guideline, however, seven House Republicans have been fined for refusing to wear masks. Many House Republicans, as well as their staff, have reportedly ignored the mask mandate in other parts of the building. The Senate does not have a mask mandate at this time.