Sen. Merkley Tests Positive For COVID, Again

PORTLAND, OR — Two weeks after first being diagnosed with COVID-19, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) announced Thursday that he has it again. Merkley said that his second diagnosis came "after recovering and feeling better."

Merkley said in a statement that after his first diagnosis, he had taken Paxlovid and, like "a modest percent of folks" who had also taken the medication, he know has what's being referred to as "COVID-19 rebound."

"This is yet another reminder that the virus is evolving and changing and we all must be diligent to stay ahead," he said. "We know the best ways to mitigate the spread: getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing masks, and isolating and testing when you know that you have been exposed."

Merkley said that he will remain in self-quarantine until he tests negative.