Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards infected with COVID, will isolate for five days

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced late Friday that he has tested positive for COVID for the first time, though he is not suffering any symptoms.

"Following a routine COVID-19 test after returning from travel, I have tested positive for COVID-19," Edwards said in a statement. "I am fully vaccinated against COVID and up-to-date on recommended booster doses. I don’t currently have symptoms and will follow guidance from the (Centers for Disease Control) and isolate for 5 days."

Edwards has been a staunch vaccine advocate.

"I am thankful that, as a vaccinated and twice boosted person, I am not currently experiencing symptoms of COVID despite having tested positive for the first time," he said.

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In March Edwards removed his public health emergency order after 24 straight months under the order during the pandemic.

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COVID infections are on the rise in Louisiana, but hospitalizations remain low.

"Right now, COVID hospitalizations are low, but the number of people testing positive is going up and there is still a lot of COVID circulating in Louisiana," Edwards said. "It’s incredibly important that everyone stay up-to-date with their COVID vaccinations and take care to avoid getting sick."

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards tests positive for COVID