Sept. 9 (UPI) — Rep. Darren Soto said he has contracted COVID-19 and credits being vaccinated for only suffering from mild symptoms.
The Florida Democrat announced he was sick with the coronavirus Wednesday on Twitter, stating he was self-isolating and would work remotely.
“I recently tested positive for COVID-19, and am grateful to only have mild symptoms, which I credit to the vaccine,” he said. “I encourage everyone to get vaccinated to save lives!”
He added that he received monoclonal antibody treatment to further reduce potential symptoms and said the treatment is helpful “but not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The announcement was made as Florida has started to experience a decrease from a spike in cases earlier in the summer.
The Florida Hospital Association reported nearly 14,000 new infections on Tuesday and 13,100 hospitalizations, which is down 12.3% from a week prior.
According to the Mayo Clinic, 64.5% of those in the state eligible to be vaccinated have received at least one shot.
Dozens of politicians have reported sick with COVID-19, with Florida reporting the most with 24, according to Ballotpedia, which has been tracking infections among local, state and federal leaders.
At least 18 politicians have died to the pandemic, including U.S. Rep.-elect Luke Letlow, Wyoming state Rep. Roy Edwards and Virginia state Sen. Ben Chafin.
