Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, announced on Wednesday they have tested positive for coronavirus. Diaz-Balart was the first sitting member of Congress to announce a positive coronavirus test. McAdams' announcement came hours later
Diaz-Balart and McAdams participated in votes on Friday, including one to extend sick leave and unemployment benefits to some American workers amid the spread of the virus.
Diaz-Balart remains in D.C. under a self-quarantine, and is not planning on returning to Florida during his quarantine.
"I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better," Diaz-Balart said. "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."
Meanwhile, McAdams is holed up in his Utah home.
"On Saturday evening, after returning from Washington, D.C., I developed mild cold-like symptoms," McAdams said. "In consultation with my doctor on Sunday, I immediately isolated myself in my home. I have been conducting all meetings by telephone. My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing and I remained self-quarantined.
"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. Today, I learned that I tested positive. I am still working for Utah's and pursuing efforts to get Utah's the resources they need as I continue doing my job from home until I know it is safe to end my self-quarantine."
