Florida Rep. Darren Soto (D) has announced that he recently tested positive for COVID. The positive diagnosis comes at a time when the country is facing sweeping initiatives to encourage Americans to get vaccinated against the virus. In Florida, the state has experienced surging numbers because of the Delta variant, and Rep. Soto is sharing his experience of testing positive to urge Floridians to get vaccinated while noting that he is “grateful to only have mild symptoms.”
As the conversation regarding vaccines and vaccine mandates continues, a number of “breakthrough infections” as they’re called are being reported across the country. “Breakthrough infections” are individuals that have positive for COVID-19 despite having the vaccination. According to the CDC, in regards to the Delta variant, “fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others. However, vaccinated people appear to spread the virus for a shorter time.”
With the recent FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine, lawmakers across the country continue to take part in initiatives to spread awareness by calling for Americans to get vaccinated. Rep. Soto is now encouraging others by sharing his own experience of testing positive.
“I recently tested positive for COVID-19, and am grateful to only have mild symptoms, which I credit to the vaccine,” Soto informed on Twitter.
I recently tested positive for #COVID19, and am grateful to only have mild symptoms, which I credit to the vaccine.
I am currently self-isolating and working remotely.
I encourage everyone to #GetVaccinated to save lives!
— Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) September 8, 2021
“I am currently self-isolating and working remotely,” he added, encourage others to get the vaccine to “save lives!”
He also provided an update on the treatment he was receiving to combat the virus, noting that he is receiving “monoclonal antibody treatment to further reduce potential symptoms,” adding that “this treatment is helpful but not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine.”
This morning I also received monoclonal antibody treatment to further reduce potential symptoms. This treatment is helpful but not a substitute for the COVID-19 vaccine. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible: https://t.co/3Mm7LPNMxT pic.twitter.com/vXNXAaSCTz
— Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) September 8, 2021
In Florida, tension has increased between Florida Democrats and Governor Ron DeSantis (R) because the Governor has expressed opposition to vaccine mandates and vaccine passports, while at the same time continues to push for the Monoclonal treatment that Soto recently received.
