State Department spokesperson tests positive for COVID-19

The Biden administration’s State Department spokesman tested positive for a breakthrough coronavirus case on Monday.

“After experiencing symptoms for the first time this morning, I tested positive for COVID-19 shortly thereafter, & will now quarantine for the next 10 days,” Ned Price tweeted. “I’m feeling under the weather but am grateful for the protection from severe illness offered by safe and effective vaccines.”

After experiencing symptoms for the first time this morning, I tested positive for COVID-19 shortly thereafter, & will now quarantine for the next 10 days. I’m feeling under the weather but am grateful for the protection from severe illness offered by safe and effective vaccines.

— Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) September 27, 2021

Price is one of the first Biden administration officials to disclose publicly that they contracted the virus.

A White House staffer tested positive for COVID-19 in July, but the administration refused to disclose their identity and has indicated it will not announce breakthrough cases unless they are in direct contact with the president.

Price previously served on the National Security Council during the Obama administration.

A number of lawmakers on Capitol Hill have tested positive for the virus this year. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Angus King (I-Maine) all announced in August they had breakthrough cases, which occur when vaccinated individuals test positive for the virus.

Those senators have said the vaccine helped mitigate their symptoms.

More than 50 House members have also tested positive for the virus, according to a New York Times tracker.