House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) late Wednesday evening announced his intent to self-quarantine after learning that his colleague, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus. Not long after Diaz-Blarart announced his positive test, Rep. Ben McAdams (R-UT) did the same.
“I have just been informed that my colleague, Mario Diaz-Balart, tested positive for COVID-19. Since I had an extended meeting with him late last week, out of an abundance of caution, I have decided it would be best to self-quarantine based on the guidance of the Attending Physician of the United States Congress," Scalise said in a statement.
"Fortunately, I am not experiencing any symptoms, and will continue working remotely on Congress’ Coronavirus response, and will remain in close contact with the Trump administration’s Coronavirus task force, my colleagues in Congress, as well as local officials and health professionals in Louisiana to ensure that swift action to address this crisis continues," the statement read.
My full statement regarding the news that a Republican Member of Congress tested positive for COVID-19: pic.twitter.com/veNSVuTuLW
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) March 19, 2020
This is not the first time members of Congress decided to self-quarantine. Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ) and Doug Collins (R-GA), and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) all self-quarantined after learning that they had come in contact with an individual at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) who tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus.
This is a breaking news story. As more information comes in this post will be updated.
