Rep. Vern Buchanan Tests Positive For COVID-19 Despite Receiving Vaccine

WUSF | By Associated Press

Published July 20, 2021 at 6:46 AM EDT

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., speaks during a campaign event in Sarasota in October 2020. Buchanan says he's tested positive for the COVID-19 virus even though he was fully vaccinated against the disease.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan says he's tested positive for the COVID-19 virus even though he was fully vaccinated against the disease.

Buchanan, a Republican who represents a Sarasota-based district, said in a news release Monday he got the test recently after experiencing “very mild flu-like symptoms.”

The congressman says he's quarantining at home and intends to return to work as soon as possible.

The announcement comes amid a rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Florida.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday the rise is mainly seasonal in nature and that vaccines cannot be forced on anyone.

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