Val Arkoosh, The Montgomery County Commissioner Running For Senate, Has COVID-19

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Val Arkoosh, the Montgomery County commissioner who is also a candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, revealed Monday that she has tested positive for COVID-19.

Arkoosh, a physician by trade, said an at-home test revealed that she has the virus, although she said she is only experiencing "very mild symptoms," something she is attributing to the fact that she has already gotten vaccinated against the disease.

"I attribute how well I'm feeling to the J&J vaccine I received this spring and the Moderna booster I received this fall," Arkoosh posted on her Senate campaign Facebook page. "I'm so grateful to the scientists and researchers who made those shots possible and I encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted."

Arkoosh, a Democrat, stressed that vaccination is crucial since there has been a surge of COVID-19 cases as of late, which is putting a strain on healthcare systems and frontline workers.

"... We need to remain vigilant and do everything we can to protect ourselves and others," said Arkoosh, who also urged people to wear masks as a mitigation strategy against the coronavirus.

Arkoosh said she plans to follow CDC guidelines and quarantine at home while she recovers from the illness.

Arkoosh, who is from eastern Montgomery County, is one of numerous Democrats and Republicans looking to replace outdoing U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, who is not seeking another term.