WEDNESDAY 9:05 P.M. UPDATE:
Hours after Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, from Miami, became the first member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus, one of his colleagues from Utah revealed his own COVOD-19 diagnosis.
Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams said in a statement, “Today I learned that I tested positive. 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.”
After returning from Washington last Saturday, he developed cold-like symptoms, consulted with his doctor, and isolated himself in his home.
“My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing and I remained self-quarantined,” McAdams added. “On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test.”
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ORIGINAL STORY:
Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, of Miami, is the first member of Congress to test positive for COVID-19, it was announced Wednesday evening.
“In an abundance of caution, after votes on Friday, March 13th, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart decided to self-quarantine in Washington, D.C., and not return to South Florida because of his wife Tia’s preexisting conditions that put her at exceptionally high risk,” his office said in a statement.
It continued, “On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19. While in quarantine, Diaz-Balart has been working from his apartment in Washington, D.C.”
The congressman added that he is “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.”
A few congressional staffers had previously tested positive for the virus.