Fully vaccinated Arizona legislator tests positive for COVID-19

PHOENIX – An Arizona legislator has tested positive for COVID-19 over two months after her final vaccination.

State Rep. Alma Hernandez of Tucson said in a press release Wednesday that she was fully vaccinated 11 weeks ago, still wore a mask when out and practiced social distancing and good hygiene but had become ill with the coronavirus anyway.

She said her symptoms included fever and a migraine headache. She also lost the abilities to taste and smell. Hernandez said she was quarantining at her Phoenix home, where she would remain for the next week.

I, unfortunately, tested positive for #COVID19 today. What sets me apart from millions of Americans who have come down with Covid is that I’m 11 weeks out since my @pfizer vaccine. Please do not let your guard down even after the vaccine. Read my statement below. Be safe. pic.twitter.com/ETbHqy24m1

— (((Rep.Alma Hernandez MPH)))🧼🤚🏽 (@almaforarizona) April 29, 2021

“I encourage you all to take this seriously and continue practicing COVID protocols. … The pandemic has not come to an end,” she said.

“Do not let your guard down even after you have been vaccinated.”

Hernandez is at least the seventh state lawmaker to test positive for the virus. Reps. Andres Cano, Lorenzo Sierra, Arlando Teller, Raquel Teran and JoAnne Osborne and Sen. Lupe Contreras were all diagnosed with COVID in the past year.

Sierra became so ill in October that he was hospitalized and put on a ventilator. He has recovered.

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