Rep. Lori Trahan Tests Positive For Coronavirus

WESTFORD, MA — U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan tested positive for the coronavirus Thursday afternoon, according to her office.

Trahan, a Democrat who represents the state's 3rd Congressional District, said she is asymptomatic and self-quarantining at home.

“After testing negative for COVID-19 in Washington last week and again upon my arrival at home in accordance with state guidelines, I voluntarily got tested once again today," Trahan said in a statement Thursday. "Sadly, I learned moments ago that I have tested positive for the virus."

Trahan, of Westford, said she plans to work remotely and will cast her votes next week using the House's proxy voting system.

Trahan is not sure how she contracted the virus, according to spokesperson Francis Grubar.

A small number of staffers she has had contact with since her last negative test are also quarantining, he said. They are asymptomatic and awaiting test results, he added.

She was among members of Congress who sheltered in offices during the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Some members of Congress contracted the virus that day. Trahan had tested negative several times before her positive test this week, her office said.

Trahan lives with her husband and two daughters.

"Fortunately, her husband and daughters have both tested negative in the past 24 hours, but they are continuing to quarantine and self-monitor in accordance with the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 protocols for exposure," Grubar said.

Two days before she received the positive test, she visited the Minute Man National Historical Park to commemorate the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. She participated in a conversation on the importance of conservancy and funding for national parks and public lands.

Trahan in November was re-elected to a second term. Her district includes parts of Essex, Middlesex and Worcester counties. Communities in her district include Westford, Lowell, Chelmsford, Andover, Acton, Concord and Fitchburg.

“I encourage everyone to continue taking this virus seriously and to follow the science and data-driven guidance to wear a mask, maintain a safe social distance from others, avoid large gatherings, and stay home whenever possible," she said.