According to a statement from her press secretary, Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Today, Vice President Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on rapid and PCR tests. She has exhibited no symptoms, will isolate and continue to work from the Vice President’s residence,” the vice president’s press secretary, Kristen Allen, said on Tuesday, April 26.
The statement continued by saying Harris has not been in close contact with President Joe Biden due to their recent travel schedules. The last time Harris saw Biden was April 18, according to reports.
“She will follow CDC guidelines and the advice of her physicians,” added Allen. “The Vice President will return to the White House when she tests negative.”
Harris is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. She received her first dose of the Moderna vaccine weeks before taking office and the second dose just days after being sworn in as vice president in 2021. In late October, Harris received a third dose, and on April 2, Harris tweeted that she received an additional booster shot.
“I’m grateful to be both vaccinated and boosted,” tweeted Harris on Monday.
Today I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms, and I will continue to isolate and follow CDC guidelines. I’m grateful to be both vaccinated and boosted.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 26, 2022
Harris’ diagnosis comes one month after her husband Doug Emhoff recovered from the virus and amid a wave of cases among officials in Washington D.C.
Democratic Senators Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Ron Wyden of Oregon also announced they tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine tested positive for the virus earlier this month. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and her deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre, tested positive for COVID-19 in late March.
Harris was seen in video footage wearing a mask as she arrived at the White House on Tuesday morning. She was scheduled to participate in the President’s Daily Brief meeting but did not participate in any events or meetings that day.
According to a White House statement to reporters, Biden and Harris spoke over the phone later on Tuesday afternoon.
“He wanted to check in and make sure she has everything she needs as she quarantines at home,” the statement said.
VP spokesperson Allen tweeted the information on Tuesday, writing, “Today, after consultation with her physicians, the Vice President was prescribed and has taken Paxlovid.”
Today, after consultation with her physicians, the Vice President was prescribed and has taken Paxlovid.
— Kirsten Allen (@KirstenAllen46) April 26, 2022
The Biden administration has been taking steps to improve access to the COVID-19 antiviral therapy Paxlovid, reassuring clinics earlier this week that there is adequate supply for those at high risk for severe illness or death from the virus.
Paxlovid has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and fatalities by 90% if taken within five days of the onset of symptoms.
