TWO more members of Congress have tested positive for coronavirus, including the first Democrat representative to be diagnosed with the virus.
Democratic Rep. Joe Cunningham, and Republican Rep. Mike Kelly both revealed Friday that they have tested positive for COVID-19.
The two representatives join Rand Paul, Ben McAdams and Mario Diaz-Balart in testing positive for the virus that has already infected more than 100,000 people in the U.S.
South Carolina Rep. Cunningham shared he tested positive in a video posted to Twitter on Friday.
Cunningham said that he began to experience “mild loss of taste and smell” last week.
As he was already under self-quarantine due to possible exposure, he learned those can be mild symptoms of the virus, so he decided to get tested.
“Because of these mild symptoms, I was tested yesterday for COVID-19, and today I learned that I actually tested positive,” Cunningham said.
He is the first Democratic representative to test positive for COVID-19.
“In an effort to be extra cautious, I’ll stay in quarantine until next Wednesday unless I’m experiencing symptoms,” he added.
Cunningham said luckily, he has only experienced very mild symptoms.
“I want to be clear with everyone: I feel fine, I feel great,” Cunningham said.
“I’m very lucky that I don’t have other symptoms outside that mild loss of taste and smell,” he added.
He encouraged others to be “smart” as the pandemic can affect anyone.
“Anyone can get this. We have to be vigilant and smart and listen to the advice of our medical experts,” he said.
Kelly also shared he tested positive for the virus in a statement posted on Friday.
The Pennsylvania representative said he began “experiencing mild flu-like symptoms earlier this week” and spoke with his primary doctor, who ordered a COVID-19 test.
Kelly said he took the test at a drive-through site at Butler Memorial Hospital.
“My test came back positive this afternoon, Kelly said.
He added: “My symptoms remain mild, and I will serve the 16th district from home until I fully recover.”
“Additionally, my staff is tele-working and still available to constituents who need assistance.”
Both Kelly and Cunningham were not able to vote on the coronavirus relief package today, but both said they would have voted in favor to pass the bill.
Last week, Rep. Diaz-Balart of Florida and Rep. McAdams of Utah revealed last week they had tested positive for the virus.
Days later, Senator Paul from Kentucky revealed he was also diagnosed with COVID-19.
The five members of Congress are among more than 100,000 people in the U.S. who have contracted the virus.
At least 603 people have died from the deadly virus in America, as cities prepare for a rise in cases over coming weeks.
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