Dr. Scott Harris, the Alabama State Health Officer, has tested positive for COVID-19, a statement released by the Alabama Department of Public Health said.
Harris assured citizens that, thanks to his vaccinated and boosted status, he was only having “mild symptoms.”
“I would like to let everyone know that I tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday,” Harris said. "Fortunately, I am fully vaccinated and have already received my second booster shot. I am having only mild symptoms and will be working from home this week while remaining isolated according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines."
The CDC currently recommends isolating for five days after a positive test and wearing a well-fitting mask for at least 10 days from a positive result.
As the state’s 12th State Health Officer, Harris worked in lockstep with the administration of Gov. Kay Ivey in dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic.
On March 19, 2020, Dr. Scott Harris, acting under his authority as the state health officer for the state of Alabama, issued orders closing all public beaches, all senior citizen centers and all schools and prohibiting all restaurants and bars from serving on-site, as well as banning gatherings of 25 people or more, including in places of worship.
See also, Alabama state health officer answers only to medical profession, not the people.
Harris reminded citizens that COVID-19 is still circulating and reiterated that the best way to prevent serious health consequences is to get vaccinated and boosted.
“While case numbers have declined recently in Alabama, this serves as a reminder that COVID-19 continues to circulate in our state,” Harris said. “The single best way to prevent serious illness or death is to be fully vaccinated and boosted. “
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