Two US Representatives, Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams have become first members of Congress to test positive for coronavirus.
Congressman Diaz-Balart disclosed that he developed symptoms including a fever and headache on Saturday evening in a statement his office released. He urged the public to take the virus “extremely seriously” as he revealed that he is feeling better,
The statement read;
“On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms including a fever and headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
“We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”
On Wednesday evening, Congressman Ben McAdams also revealed that he’s been diagnosed with the virus.
The Utah Democrat said;
“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.”
McAdams also disclosed that he had contact with probably a dozen members of the House and his staff is notifying anyone who might have been close to him. A Republican aide told CNN that the Capitol physician is now in contact with members who might have been exposed by Diaz-Balart and McAdams.
“He works with members that are getting tested … and he consults with (the members) to map who (they) came into contact with,” the aide said, referring to the Capitol physician. “He then reaches out to them and advises self-quarantine.”
As of Wednesday, more than 8,500 Americans have been infected with coronavirus and 140 deaths have been recorded in the North American country.
