After revealing his positive COVID-19 diagnosis last week, Congressman Don Young released a statement to update Alaskans on his condition early Monday. In the statement, he asserts that COVID is a real and serious concern: “Very frankly, I had not felt this sick in a very long time, and I am grateful to everyone to who kept me in their thoughts in prayers.”
He added: “COVID-19 is a serious virus, and its recent surge in our state has made this a critical moment. I encourage all Alaskans to continue following CDC guidelines: practice social distancing, use a mask, avoid crowds whenever possible.”
The Congressman also confirmed having been admitted to Providence Hospital over the weekend for treatment and monitoring, but said that he has been discharged and is working from home.
Young made headlines earlier this year for mocking the severity of the virus, not following CDC guidelines regarding masks or social distancing while in public, and even jokingly referring to it as the “beer virus.” Notably, he was photographed at a birthday celebration at an indoor restaurant not following safety guidelines a mere week prior to his COVID diagnosis.
Regardless, the Dean of The House says he is optimistic about the future of a COVID vaccine: “Today, we received encouraging news that a second COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown to be successful. This development represents tremendous potential, but we must continue looking out for one another.” He added that Alaskans cannot hunker down forever, but he feels that the economic health of the state will be restored, as will the fight against COVID-19.
