MA Politicians Who Interacted With Biden Testing For COVID-19

SOMERSET, MA — After receiving word that President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday, some Massachusetts lawmakers decided to get tested as well.

Biden had been in Somerset Wednesday at the former Brayton Point Power Plant for an event to help promote discussion on the climate change crisis.

A spokesperson from the White House said Biden is fully vaccinated and boosted and is experiencing mild symptoms. He's been given Paxlovid, the antiviral drug doctors have been prescribing to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19.

Biden's diagnosis comes on the wave of a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases across Massachusetts as the Bay State battles the newest omicron subvariant BA.5. The statewide seven-day positive test rate is currently the highest it's been since the end of January when the original omicron wave was dying down.

Massachusetts lawmakers have since been updating the public with their own health status.

A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said he was being tested Thursday and will wear a mask and practice social distancing to follow public health guidelines.

A statement from Rep. Jake Auchincloss said he tested negative before his meeting with the president, and a spokesperson said he tested negative again on Thursday, adding that he has plans to continue regular testing.

A spokesperson for Senate President Karen Spilka said, "The Senate President was sad to hear about President Biden’s COVID diagnosis and wishes the President a speedy recovery. While she is not considered a close contact, the Senate President took a rapid COVID test as soon as she heard the news and tested negative. She will continue to test, mask and take any other necessary precautions."

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Congressman Bill Keating's office confirmed a negative test upon hearing of Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis, and wished the president a "speedy recovery."