WARREN, Ohio — Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat who represents Ohio’s Mahoning Valley in the U.S. House of Representatives, said on Monday he tested positive for COVID-19.
Ryan said in a statement that he has “mild symptoms,” but added he believes his symptoms could have been worse had he not gotten a COVID-19 vaccination. Ryan’s office said that the congressman had tested negative for the coronavirus three times in the previous 10 days before testing positive on Monday.
“While I’m currently experiencing mild symptoms, I’m grateful to have the protection of a safe and effective vaccine — and I know without it, this illness could be much, much worse,” Ryan said. “What we have learned over the last year and a half is that we are in this together, and I urge all Ohioans to help us crush this pandemic by wearing a mask and getting vaccinated so that we can get back to normal.”
Ryan’s office said that he will be working remotely until he can “safely return to Washington.”
Ryan added that he was treated by Mercy Health and thanked health care workers battling the pandemic.
He is a 10-term congressman who sought the Democratic nomination for president ahead of the 2020 election. Earlier this year, Ryan announced he is running for Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2022. The winner of next year’s election will replace outgoing Republican Sen. Rob Portman.
The U.S. House has continued to allow members to vote by proxy during the pandemic.
