GOP Rep. Kevin Brady tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) announced Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the latest in a growing list of lawmakers to contract the virus. 

Brady said the House physician told him Tuesday night that he contracted the coronavirus and that he must now in quarantine. He added that he received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Dec. 18 and last tested negative for the coronavirus on Jan. 1.

The lawmaker said he would receive treatment Wednesday, though he did not clarify what that treatment will be. 

Tonite the Office of House Physician informed me that I’ve tested positive for Covid 19 & am quarantined.

As recommended, I received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Dec 18 & also recently tested negative for Covid on New Years Day.

Begin treatment tomorrow.
Shld be fine.

— Rep. Kevin Brady (@RepKevinBrady) January 6, 2021

Brady is the second House member in as many days to test positive for COVID-19 after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Rep. Kay Granger (Texas), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee said Monday that she has the coronavirus.

Data has shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provides some protection against COVID-19 about 10 days after receiving the first dose, but recipients get a more significant boost after receiving their second dose three weeks later. 

Pfizer has conceded that its vaccine’s efficacy sits around 52 percent after just the first dose but jumps to 95 percent after the full regimen is complete.

Lawmakers have been advised to get tested for the coronavirus when coming back to Washington but are allowed to perform their duties while they wait for the results if they are asymptomatic or have not come into contact with someone who knows they have the virus.

It was not immediately clear where Brady contracted the virus, but lawmakers were seen crowding on the House floor Sunday during an unexpected floor vote. That development sparked a stern rebuke from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who sent a letter to lawmakers reminding them of social distancing guidelines. 

At least 49 members of Congress or lawmakers-elect have tested positive for COVID-19 since March. A number of others have tested positive for antibodies or had presumed cases.