“After receiving an initial negative result over the weekend, this morning I tested positive for COVID- 19,” he wrote.
The Democratic congressman said he has mild symptoms, is feeling well “overall,” and will self-isolate for the recommended time.
“Thank you everyone for the well wishes,” he said.
Ruiz is the latest member of Congress to test positive for the disease in recent days, following the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol building during a joint session of lawmakers to count and certify Electoral College votes for the 2020 presidential election.
The incident disrupted debates in both the House and Senate as lawmakers were forced to shelter in place or evacuate, and police and security attempted to regain control.
“I was forced to spend several hours in a secure but confined location with dozens of other members of Congress,” Schneider said in a statement issued last week. “Several Republican lawmakers in the room adamantly refused to wear a mask ... even when politely asked by their colleagues.”
Correa, 62, didn’t shelter in place with colleagues on Jan. 6; his office said he stayed outside to help the U.S. Capitol Police. His test was routine, and came nearly a month after Correa had received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.
It isn’t clear, however, whether the Congress members or Capitol Police officers contracted COVID-19 on Jan. 6. Individuals can pick up the virus up to 14 days before symptoms appear.
