U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a vacation in South Florida, her office announced Sunday.
In a statement, the New York Democrat’s office said the congresswoman was experiencing symptoms and recovering at home.
“Representative Ocasio-Cortez has received a positive COVID-19 test result. She is experiencing symptoms and recovering at home. The Congresswoman received her booster shot this fall and encourages everyone to get their booster and follow all CDC guidance.”
The announcement came days after Ocasio-Cortez was photographed dining outdoors without wearing a face mask while vacationing in Miami Beach during the nationwide surge of the Omicron variant.
Photos published by multiple news organizations showed Ocasio-Cortez visiting restaurants in South Florida with her longtime partner, Riley Roberts, over the New Year’s holiday.
The images drew criticism from Florida Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, who argued the congresswoman’s visit highlighted differences between Florida’s COVID-19 policies and restrictions imposed in New York.
“If I had a dollar for every lockdown politician who decided to escape to Florida over the last couple of years, I’d be a pretty doggone wealthy man,” DeSantis said during a news conference following the trip.
Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez responded that the congresswoman was participating in outdoor activities consistent with public health guidance available at the time and noted she had received a COVID-19 booster vaccination before testing positive.
At the time, the Omicron variant was driving record numbers of COVID-19 cases across the United States, although vaccination continued to reduce the risk of severe illness for many people.
The episode generated national attention and became part of the broader political debate over pandemic restrictions, mask guidance, vaccination, and differing approaches to public health policy between states.
Sources
Office of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Office of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
