New York Congressman, Adriano Espaillat, who represents parts of the Bronx and Manhattan, announced on Twitter that he has tested positive for the coronavirus and is now under quarantine. In the first of three tweets, Espaillat posted at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, writing, “I am following the guidance from my physician and quarantining at home after having tested positive for COVID-19.”

 

As reported by Norwood News, the congressman was first vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the United States Capitol on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. On Jan. 14, Espaillat added to his first tweet, writing, “I received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine last week, and understand the effects take time. I have continued to be tested regularly, wear my mask, and follow the recommended guidelines.”

 

In a third tweet, he added, “I will continue my duties representing New York’s 13th Congressional District remotely until I have received clearances from my doctor. I will encourage all residents to follow public health guidelines for the safety of our community.”

 

I received the second dose of the #COVID19vaccine last week and understand the affects take time. I have continued to be tested regularly, wear my mask and follow the recommended guidelines.

— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) January 14, 2021

I will continue my duties representing New York’s 13th congressional district remotely until I have received clearance from my doctor. I encourage all residents to follow public health guidelines for the safety of our #NY13 community.

— Adriano Espaillat (@RepEspaillat) January 14, 2021

 

Espaillat later tweeted similar messages in Spanish. He is believed to be the fourth elected official to test positive for COVID-19 since house and senate members were ordered to shelter in place, after a deadly riot broke out at the U.S. Capital on Wednesday, Jan. 6, following a pro-Donald Trump “Save America Rally,” in Washington D.C. Four protesters and one Capitol police officer have died in the context of the riots.

 

New Jersey Congresswoman, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, and Congressman Brad Schneider of Illinois have also announced that they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week.

 

As reported by the Norwood News, on Saturday, Nov. 28, in celebration of “Small Business Saturday,” Espaillat purchased a traditional African mask from Masititis’ Urban African Store on Broadway in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, saying, “I’m taking one of these babies to Washington.”

 

Cheick Conde, the store owner, had explained to the congressman that the masks are used by various African nations during different rituals and ceremonies, such as a blessing for a good harvest, or protecting a tribe during peacetime and war. It is unknown if Espaillat hung the mask in his U.S. Capitol office or not.