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Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has been diagnosed with COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.
The news comes at a time when the nation is at heightened concern over the virus, which has variated into several alternative strains, including the Delta variant, which appears to be even more dangerous than the original strain.
DA Ogg gave a statement, saying, "I am home resting and taking all the necessary precautions. Please mask up and socially distance. There are many with compromised immune systems, elderly and little ones that we need to protect."
The official District Attorney account on Twitter also tweeted, "DA Kim Ogg tested positive this afternoon for #COVID19. She is fully vaccinated, experiencing mild symptoms and will quarantine. She asks that everyone please wear #masks, maintain #socialdistancing and strongly consider getting vaccinated as we face these challenging times."
The timing of Ogg's diagnosis comes as the United States finally crosses the threshold of a 70% vaccination rate. It was originally the goal of the Biden administration to achieve a 70% nationwide vaccination rate by the Fourth of July.
Recently, Harris County updated its COVID threat system designation to "severe," which is the highest possible designation. The county strongly urged unvaccinated people to stay home unless making essential trips and to avoid travel if possible. Concern in the country grows as some hospital emergency rooms are beginning to fill as the delta variant ravages Harris County and counties around the nation.
Houston Methodist Hospital ER nurse manager Danielle Butler-Winey said, "We are seeing an increase in COVID numbers, probably more so than we have this whole entire pandemic. It is unvaccinated people coming in with COVID."
Though vaccinated people have contracted COVID-19, as is the case with DA Ogg, hospitalizations are largely being driven by those that are unvaccinated.