Texas State Sen. Royce West has announced that he is on the way to fully recovering after testing positive and experiencing some of the symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Last Thursday evening guests attending an event in the senator’s honor on the UNT-Dallas campus first heard the news of his positive COVID test and that he would not be in attendance.
While they were encouraged to stay and enjoy the two-hour event, many expressed concern about West’s health and questioned if the diagnosis was a result of meetings in the Texas capitol where not always were safety precautions, such as wearing face masks, adhered to.
The Senator had been in Austin, with other legislators, for the third special session that began on September 20th. Called by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the agenda items included redistricting, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, disallowing a student from competing in University Interscholastic League athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite to the student’s sex at birth, and mandating vaccines.
While in session, each day legislators are tested upon arrival for the session. When he was alerted of the diagnosis, he had to immediately cancel any engagements.
On his 69th birthday, Sunday, September 26; the Senator talked briefly about his health and his symptoms. His usually booming voice was somewhat raspy and not as recognizable, but on Wednesday he was laughing and his trademark voice sounded close to normal as he spoke optimistically about his recovery.
“I’m feeling much better,” said Sen. West, as he shared feelings of fatigue and talked about how he was excited at the prospect of leaving the house. “I expect to be back in full stride in another day or two.”
Admittedly the past week has been challenging, said West, adding that he’s anxious to be getting out of the house soon.
The senator did not go into detail about how he became infected, but he stressed the importance of taking precautions.
