Florida Representative María Elvira Salazar in quarantine due to Covid-19

January 1, 2021

The Cuban-origin congresswoman elected by Florida María Elvira Salazar said on Thursday that she tested positive for covid-19 and will not be able to attend the Congressional swearing-in ceremony at the United States Capitol on Sunday.

Salazar, a Republican, said on Twitter that she was admitted to a local hospital with cardiac arrhythmia, commonly known as irregular heartbeat, on December 23, before she was tested for covid-19. That test came back positive, she said.

"I apologize that I have not been able to communicate through my social networks, but I became infected with COVID. I am in quarantine at home and improving every day. I hope to begin working for my community, once it is medically permitted," Salazar tweeted.

Salazar, who defeated Democratic representative Donna Shalala in November, was discharged from the hospital and began her home quarantine process once she was in "stable condition," she said.

"I am incredibly grateful to the tireless frontline medical workers in our community, who help so many people fight the pandemic. I am in quarantine at home and improving every day. I hope to begin working for my community once it is medically permissible," Salazar said.

Salazar's diagnosis comes as December marks records as the deadliest month since the pandemic began in the U.S.