Florida lawmaker becomes first member of Congress to test positive for novel coronavirus
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first member of Congress to be infected with the coronavirus. The Florida Republican announced his positive test result in a statement on Wednesday. Diaz-Balart had self-quarantined on Friday out of “an abundance of caution” after his final round of votes in the House.
A day later, Diaz-Balart, 58, developed a headache and a fever. The lawmaker was informed on Wednesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus that first broke out in Wuhan, China, in November. Diaz-Balart’s wife has preexisting conditions that puts her "at exceptionally high risk" from the disease. "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," Diaz-Balart said. "We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times."
The disease is especially threatening to those with preexisting conditions and people over the age of 65, and the CDC has recommended that individuals within those two groups maintain the strictest form of social distancing. In Congress, 48 senators and 147 representatives are at least 65 years old.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/first-member-of-congress-tests-positive-for-the-coronavirus