New York State Assembly Speaker tests positive for COVID-19

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D) announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Heastie posted on Twitter that he had been “feeling under the weather” when he got tested and received the positive results Tuesday morning. 

The announcement comes almost two weeks after Heastie authorized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) impeachment investigation.

“I am currently experiencing only extremely mild symptoms,” he tweeted. “I am in frequent contact with my physician and look forward to a full recovery.”

The assembly Speaker said he received the first of two COVID-19 vaccine doses on March 6. He plans to work from his Albany residence as the state’s budget deadline approaches on April 1.

“This is a reminder to everyone that we must continue to be vigilant –wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing and get tested if you are feeling any symptoms,” he added.

After feeling under the weather, I was tested for COVID-19 and received a positive result this morning. I am currently experiencing only extremely mild symptoms. I am in frequent contact with my physician and look forward to a full recovery.

— Carl E. Heastie (@CarlHeastie) March 23, 2021

Heastie’s COVID-19 case was confirmed 12 days after he enabled the Assembly Judiciary Committee to launch its impeachment inquiry into Cuomo after, at that point, six women had accused the governor of misconduct. 

The assembly speaker authorized the probe after meeting privately with Democratic members to discuss “potential paths forward” amid the accusations. The Manhattan law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP was hired to head the investigation.  

Heastie and state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D) issued separate statements calling for Cuomo’s resignation in early March when the number of women alleging misconduct reached five.