Sen. Rob Portman Tests Positive For COVID-19, Will Isolate In OH

CINCINNATI — Sen. Rob Portman has tested positive for COVID-19 and will isolate at his home in Ohio.

Portman, a Republican from southern Ohio, was preparing to return to Washington, D.C. when his test results returned. He said he is currently asymptomatic and is following all of his doctor's advice.

"I am following their medical advice and following CDC guidelines and isolating for the recommended five days," Portman said in a statement. "I will work remotely from home this week, but will not be able to be in Washington, D.C. for the votes."

Portman previously wrote a column detailing his experience in a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine trial. It's unclear if he has received a vaccine booster.

Ohio is in the midst of an unprecedented COVID-19 surge. The state confirmed nearly 19,000 new cases on Monday as hospitals continue to battle staffing shortages and increasing numbers of COVID-19-positive patients. One out of every three patients in both hospitals and intensive care wards are COVID-19 positive, according to the Ohio Hospital Association.