President Jackson announces positive COVID-19 test

AUGUSTA – Today, Senate President Troy Jackson D-Allagash announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, following a rapid test in Augusta. Despite showing no symptoms, President Jackson scheduled a rapid COVID-19 test immediately after learning that he had been a close contact of an individual who had already tested positive for the virus. President Jackson is now isolating and working remotely for the people of Maine and northern Aroostook County. He has scheduled a PCR test for tomorrow.

President Jackson released the following statement regarding his positive test results: 

“Today, I learned that I tested positive for COVID-19 despite receiving the vaccine earlier this year. Although I wasn’t experiencing any symptoms, I decided to get tested immediately upon learning that I had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus. While breakthrough COVID-19 infections are far more rare, we know that they are possible. More and more breakthrough infections continue to be reported all across the state and country due to the highly contagious Delta variant. I’m just extraordinarily grateful for the COVID-19 vaccine, which continues to be effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.

“Throughout the next week, I will monitor my health, isolate and continue my work remotely for the people of the state and northern Maine. I don’t plan to return to the State House until I have a clean bill of health.

“Please know that my office is in the process of notifying my close contacts to avoid further spreading the virus. We are taking this very seriously and doing our part to protect the health and safety of others. I would encourage others who aren’t vaccinated to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their loved ones. The only way we are going to get through this pandemic is if we look out for each other and remain vigilant.”

 

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