Another U.S. representative has tested positive for COVID-19, the new disease from China.
Since the pandemic started, the lawmaker has been taking his temperature twice a day in an attempt to catch a positive case early. On Wednesday morning, the temperature was higher than normal, prompting both Davis and his wife to get tested.
“While my test came back positive, my wife’s test came back negative. My staff who I’ve worked with in-person this week have received negative tests as well. Other than a higher-than-normal temperature, I am showing no symptoms at this time and feel fine,” Davis said in a statement.
Staffers are contacting anyone who came into contact with the lawmaker in the 48 hours leading up to the diagnosis.
“My staff and I take COVID-19 very seriously. My wife is a nurse and a cancer survivor, which puts her in an at-risk category like so many Americans. My office and I have always followed and will continue to follow CDC guidelines, use social distancing, and wear masks or face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained,” Davis said, urging Americans to wear a mask and social distance, or keep 6 feet between themselves and non-household members.
Davis plans on postponing public events until he tests negative. He is quarantining at home, where he will continue to do his job virtually.
Two members of Congress tested positive for COVID-19 last week: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas).
While public health officials now say people should wear masks out in public, earlier this year they said wearing masks wasn’t a good idea in part because not wearing them correctly could actually lead to higher rates of transmission of the virus.
“The chair would also like to remind members that the speaker has the authority to direct the sergeant at arms to remove a member from the floor as a matter of decorum,” she said on the House floor. “To reiterate, the chair views the failure to wear a mask as a serious breach of decorum.”
