Sen. Schumer tests positive for coronavirus, staff says

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will quarantine this week after testing positive for COVID-19, according to a statement issued by his office Sunday night. 

Schumer (D-N.Y.) is fully vaccinated and double-boosted and has experienced mild symptoms, said Justin Goodman, a spokesman for the senator. The infection was detected as part of Schumer’s regular testing program.

“He greatly appreciates the protection the vaccine has provided him and encourages everyone to test regularly and get vaccinated and boosted,” Goodman said. 

Schumer, 71, will work remotely this week. 

“Anyone who knows Leader Schumer knows that even if he’s not physically in the Capitol, through virtual meetings and his trademark flip phone he will continue with his robust schedule and remain in near constant contact with his colleagues,” Goodman said. “As we do every week, we will provide any updates to the Senate floor schedule as the week progresses.”

Schumer, the senior senator from New York, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998 and became majority leader in 2021. His infection comes as cases of the coronavirus have been rising, and several top-level officials at the Capitol have come down with it.