Chuck Schumer tests positive for COVID-19, will work remote as Senate reconvenes this week
Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Patrick Leahy will both be missing from the Senate this week
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend as the Senate prepares to reconvene this week.
In a statement on Sunday, Schumer’s spokesperson Justin Goodman said the Senate is returning to work following a two-week recess but Schumer will remain quarantined at least through the end of the week as he is experiencing "very mild symptoms."
The legislative body’s highest-ranked Democrat intends to work remotely while he is away from the chamber.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks during the primary election night party for New York Governor in New York City on June 28, 2022. (YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)
"Consistent with the CDC guidance, Leader Schumer will quarantine this week and work remotely," Goodman said on Sunday.
"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," he added.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Schumer is fully vaccinated and has received multiple booster shots, the spokesperson said.
"As we do every week, we will provide any updates to the Senate floor schedule as the week progresses," he continued.
Schumer's recent schedule included participation in New York City's Pride March on June 26 and attendance at a primary election event for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on June 28. He privately celebrated the July 4th holiday with his family.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer marches during the 2022 New York City Pride March on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Schumer will not be the only senior Democrat missing from the Senate as Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) remains at home as he recovers from recent hip surgery.
Leahy was discharged from the hospital last week.
THIS JULY 4TH, COVID IS STILL KILLING HUNDREDS OF AMERICANS EACH DAY
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Senate is ideologically split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans but with two Democrats missing from the chamber, Republicans hold a 50-48 temporary edge.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer participates in the New York City Pride Parade on Fifth Avenue on June 26, 2022 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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Schumer's positive test comes as the omicron variant of COVID-19, and specifically its BA.5 subvariant, has become dominant strain across the country.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fox News' Chad Pergram contributed to this report.