Secretary of State Frank LaRose tests positive for COVID-19 after redistricting meeting

Secretary of State Frank LaRose has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Monday.

LaRose began experiencing minor symptoms Sunday night, and his rapid test came back positive the next morning. He received the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot.

"Fortunately, I feel fine," he said in a statement. "I even went on a 6.5 mile run on Sunday evening, but after continuing to experience some very mild symptoms, I figured it was best to take a test and be sure."

LaRose's positive test was first reported by Cleveland.com.

The diagnosis came just days after LaRose spent hours with the Ohio Redistricting Commission on Saturday to draw new state House and Senate maps. Also on the commission are Gov. Mike DeWine, Auditor Keith Faber, House Speaker Bob Cupp, Senate President Matt Huffman, Sen. Vernon Sykes and House Minority Leader Allison Russo.

A spokesman for DeWine said the governor is doing well and did not come in close enough contact with LaRose to require quarantining. The two sat at opposite ends of the room during Saturday's meeting.

Russo, who sat closest to LaRose on Saturday, was notified of the exposure and has received the vaccine booster.

“She will follow current CDC guidance for close exposure. This includes wearing a mask for 10 days and monitoring closely for any symptoms. She has instructed staff to follow House policy for COVID-19 exposure," House Democratic spokeswoman Maya Majikas said.

LaRose has postponed all public events scheduled for this week.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose tests positive for COVID-19