Vaccinated State Rep. Raney Homebound After Positive COVID Test

DALLAS —Although fully vaccinated, College Station State Rep. John Raney tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning, according to his office.

The legislator's test came up positive as he was making his way to the floor of the Texas House yesterday. The test, first reported by The Dallas Morning News, noted that Raney has been fully vaccinated for more than two months.

Raney was said not to be experiencing symptoms and "went home immediately and, as of this evening, is doing well," according to a statement issued by his office.

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As medical experts have said repeatedly, there are no guarantees of immunity to the coronavirus after immunization. Victims who contract the virus are referred to as vaccine breakthrough cases, and while illness is a possible complication, vaccinations have shown effective in reducing mortality or the need for hospitalization.

The news of Raney's infection comes on the heels of a House vote just last week to lift a mask mandate for its legislators, approved 99-46. That decision was one of numerous components in a revision of safety protocols lawmakers put in place to begin January's 2021 legislative session.

Earlier in the week, Raney had roamed the halls, committee rooms and chamber. His attendance forthwith is excused as he recuperates.

No plans have been announced to change health protocols in the House as a result of Raney's illness, and overall in Texas new infections and hospitalizations remain on the decline as the rate of vaccinations across the state increases.

Just the same — and Raney's case in point — health officials at the Texas Department of State Health Services say only a quarter of Texans have been fully inoculated, and the need for social distancing, masks and frequent hand washing remain as safeguards.

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