Rep. Raul Ruiz Tested Positive for COVID

After taking multiple COVID-19 tests, Dr. Ruiz tested  positive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., CA-36, on Tuesday announced he tested positive for COVID-19.

His announcement came as President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris attended a memorial service honoring the 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 at the Lincoln Memorial.

“In preparation for attending the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, I have taken multiple COVID-19 tests over the last 72 hours,” Dr. Ruiz said in a prepared statement. “After receiving an initial negative result over the weekend, this morning I tested positive for COVID- 19. While I do have mild symptoms, overall I am feeling well and will self-isolate for the recommended time. Thank you everyone for the well wishes.”

Ruiz remains in D.C., according to his spokesman. Ruiz is not sure at this point how he contracted the virus, his spokesman told Uken Report.

The coronavirus pandemic for months has upended the daily work of Congress, which has seen a series of outbreaks.

Most recently, the Jan. 6 violent insurrection at the Capitol forced members to cluster together in rooms for several hours. Some House Republicans were seen not wearing masks during the ordeal, and refusing to do so.

And at least one holding room for House members included a lawmaker who was already positive, the Capitol attending physician told Congress.

“During this time, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection,” said Dr. Brian Monahan, who urged members to seek testing.

Several members quarantined as a result of the concerns and at least one tested positive, including New Jersey Democratic Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.

According to NPR, by more than 50 lawmakers and 220 workers have tested positive, or were presumed so, for the illness.

A congressman-elect from Louisiana, Luke Letlow, died on Dec. 29 from the illness, days before he was due to be sworn in with a new Congress on Jan. 3. And this past summer, a Florida member’s aide died from COVID-19.

Ruiz, an emergency room physician, has been a fierce advocate of protecting oneself against COVID-19. Educating yourself about the coronavirus reduces anxiety and empowers you to prevent and protect yourself and your family from getting sick, he has said.

He has even recorded videos to educate you and your family on the basics of the coronavirus.