Two members of the United States Congress have become the first to test positive for the novel coronavirus.
According to Yahoo! News, Miami Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart(R-Flor.) and Rep. Ben McAdams of Utah are the first two members of Congress to test positive for the coronavirus. Diaz-Balart started self-quarantine on March 14 after voting for the coronavirus relief package but decided to stay in Washington due to experiencing symptoms. His wife has a pre-existing medical condition and he was advised to self-isolate from her for 14 days.
RELATED STORIES: Man Arrested For Lying About Testing Positive For Coronavirus On Social Media
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. 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. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”
RELATED STORIES: Cheating Husband Infected With Coronavirus While On Trip To Italy With Mistress
Congressman McAdams released a statement confirming he tested positive for the coronavirus earlier today:
“Today I learned that I tested positive,” McAdams said in a statement Wednesday evening. “I am still working for Utahns and pursuing efforts to get Utahns the resources they need as I continue doing my job from home until I know it is safe to end my self-quarantine. I’m doing my part as all Americans are doing to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the coronavirus outbreak.”
He started to experience symptoms on Saturday after returning from Washington and started to self-isolate as recommended by his doctor. He encouraged the people of Utah to take precaution:
“I urge Utahns to take this seriously and follow the health recommendations we’re getting from the CDC and other health experts so that we can recover from this public health threat,”