Congressman Troy Carter tests positive for COVID-19

The office of U.S Rep. Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) announced Wednesday morning that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Carter issued the following statement:

“This morning, I tested positive for COVID-19 and am experiencing cold-like symptoms.

“I am so thankful to be fully vaccinated and have received my booster shot, measures which are highly protective against more severe symptoms and illness.

“I will isolate while recovering and will continue to follow the guidance of the House Attending Physician. Throughout my isolation I will continue to work remotely on behalf of my constituents of southeast Louisiana.

“My sincere thanks to all of the healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly throughout this public health crisis to protect all of us.

 “If you have not yet been vaccinated or boosted, please take this as a sign and get your shot today. Along with wearing masks, vaccinations are the best way to protect ourselves, our health systems, and our communities.”

Carter is the fourth member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation to test positive for COVID-19.

Sen. Bill Cassidy was the first lawmaker from the state to contract the virus in September 2020. Cedric Richmond, Carter’s predecessor in the Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, tested positive in December 2020 just before leaving his seat to join the White House as a special adviser to President Joe Biden. Rep. Clay Higgins tested positive last summer.

According to GovTrack.us, Carter is the 100th member of the House of Representatives to test positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic reached the United States in March 2020. Seventeen U.S. senators have caught the virus as well, and several other lawmakers in both chambers have isolated themselves after reporting exposure to someone with COVID-19.