Malinowski is latest lawmaker to test COVID-19 positive after Ukraine trip

Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.) announced on Thursday that he had tested positive for COVID-19 following a trip with congressional colleagues to Ukraine.

“I want to let everyone know that I tested positive today, but am feeling fine,” Malinowski said in a tweet announcing his breakthrough case.

“This means I have a virus that killed 3,622 Americans yesterday, yet am only experiencing the most mild symptoms, thanks to the vaccine + booster. Please get boosted everyone,” his tweet added.

The representative joins a growing list of lawmakers who have tested positive for the virus days after a group of representatives went to Ukraine. 

The U.S. officials made a trip to the Eastern European country amid increased tensions between it and Russia. Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops at its border with Ukraine, prompting concern from the international community, including the U.S., that the country will invade. 

Moscow, however, has denied plans to launch an offensive. 

Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) announced on Sunday that he had tested positive for a breakthrough case of the virus. 

“Despite this diagnosis, this was still a vitally important trip, where my colleagues and I heard directly from NATO, EU and Ukrainian officials about the threat of Russian aggression. Our bipartisan delegation traveled thousands of miles and together, showed our strong commitment to the Ukrainian people,” Allred said, adding that he felt well and would be isolating himself. 

On Wednesday, Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), who was also on the trip, announced that she too had contracted the virus.

The group that traveled to Ukraine was led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and also included Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.).