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Utah Senate leader tests positive for COVID-19

President Stuart Adams did not attend a Friday news conference about the state’s pandemic response due to his positive test.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, presents a new treatment center for monoclonal antibodies to media, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 in Murray. The Utah Department of Health, which will operate the facility, will use the treatment for those sick with COVID-19 and provide infusions for up to 50 patients per day.

  | Jan. 14, 2022, 5:46 p.m.
| Updated: 5:51 p.m.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams has tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the Legislature’s general session.

Adams was scheduled to join other state leaders at a news conference Friday morning to discuss Utah’s response to rising case numbers from the omicron variant but did not attend. The positive test prompted his absence.

“President Adams started having flu-like symptoms and tested positive for COVID. He is already feeling better and will be ready to start the session on Tuesday,” Aundrea Peterson, Utah Senate Deputy Chief of Staff, confirmed Friday.

During Friday’s news conference, leaders said Utahns should stay home for five days if they test positive for the virus. If they are not exhibiting symptoms, they can return to work after that time so long as they wear a mask.

Peterson says Adams began exhibiting symptoms on Wednesday and tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.

“He is following the CDC recommended five-day quarantine period, which will conclude on Monday,” Peterson said.

On Wednesday, Adams attended the Utah Taxpayers Legislative Outlook Conference at the Little America Hotel. He did not wear a mask when interacting with other attendees.

The 2022 general session begins on Jan. 18.