Not quite sure how to feel about this one. Let’s remember that for all his many, many bad qualities, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) is not an anti-vaccine idiot, like too many of his Republican colleagues.
Oma Seddiq for the Business Insider (republished by MSN):
The congressional lawmaker wrote that he experienced "flu-like symptoms" on Saturday and visited the doctor on Monday.
"I was just informed by the House physician I have tested positive for #COVID19 even after being vaccinated," he tweeted. "I started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor this morning."
The Republican senator added that he's glad that he received the coronavirus vaccine and will begin to quarantine.
"I feel like I have a sinus infection and at present time I have mild symptoms," he continued. "I will be quarantining for ten days. I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now. My symptoms would be far worse."
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
I definitely hope Graham makes a full recovery. I also admit that when I first read the words “tests positive” I thought of a different disease.
Monday, Aug 2, 2021 · 8:21:42 PM +00:00
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Alonso del Arte
Business Insider has updated with Jen Psaki’s reaction and some more background information.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a press briefing on Monday that the data shows breakthrough cases [like Graham’s] are rare and mild.
"We certainly do hope that Senator Graham has a speedy recovery," Psaki told reporters.
Okay, that’s the right way to feel about this, wish him a speedy recovery.
Graham received the Pfizer vaccine back in December, soon after it was authorized by the FDA.
Graham has been at the Capitol in recent days without a mask. According to public health guidelines, vaccinated people do not need to wear a face covering in areas of low transmission. At least 92% of senators are vaccinated, per a CNN poll in May.
The Senate also does not require members of Congress and staffers to wear masks, unlike the House.
Coronavirus cases have been exploding in the US as the country fights the rapidly spreading and highly contagious Delta variant. Unvaccinated people make up the majority of new infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.