Several US lawmakers have self-quarantined after coming in
contact with a man, who attended a conservative conference near Washington
shortly before he tested positive for Coronavirus.
Two United States lawmakers including a Florida
representative on Wednesday became the first members of Congress to announce
they had tested positive for the novel Coronavirus.
According to AFP, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart’s office
said in a statement that “just a short while ago, he was notified that he has
tested positive for COVID-19.”
The Republican, who represents part of Miami, follows the
city’s Mayor, Francis Suarez, who announced that he had tested positive for
Coronavirus last week.
They are following CDC-specified self-isolation guidelines
at their various homes.
Diaz-Balart’s diagnosis prompted a member of congressional
leadership, the number two Republican Steve Scalise to immediately
self-quarantine as he had an extended meeting with his colleague last week.
“Fortunately, I am not experiencing any symptoms, and will
continue working remotely on Congress’s Coronavirus response” and remain in
close contact with Trump administration officials to ensure that swift action
to address the crisis continues, Scalise said in a statement.
In Utah, Democrat, Ben McAdams, became the second
congressman to announce he tested positive.
After developing a mild cold on Saturday evening when he
returned from Washington, he said, “My symptoms got worse and I developed a
fever, a dry cough, laboured breathing and I remained self-quarantined.”
He was tested on Tuesday, received a positive diagnosis on
Wednesday and remains in isolation at home.
The attending physician of the US Congress said in a
statement released by House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, that Diaz-Balart and McAdams
“are ill, but in good condition.”
They are following self-isolation guidelines set forth by US
health officials, he added.
Diaz-Balart said that he had entered into quarantine and was
working from his Washington apartment.
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better,” he
said.
“However, it is important that everyone take this extremely
seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate
the spread of this virus.”
Several US lawmakers have self-quarantined after coming in
contact with a man, who attended a conservative conference near Washington
shortly before he tested positive for Coronavirus.
The United States so far has more than 9,300 cases and 150
deaths, according to a John Hopkins University tracker.
0 Comments