Kentucky’s Rand Paul becomes 1st U.S. senator to test positive for virus
WASHINGTON, DC — Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul said he has tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. The Republican is the first member of the Senate to report testing positive.
He said in a tweet Sunday that he is feeling fine and is in self-quarantine.
Paul, a doctor, said he has not had symptoms and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. Paul said he was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.
Two U.S. House members, Reps. Mario Diaz Balart of Florida of Ben McAdams of Utah, have tested positive.
The U.S. Senate was in session Sunday seeking a bipartisan response to the pandemic.
Following the announcement by Paul that he had contracted the coronavirus, there are now five U.S. senators under self-quarantine.
Sen. Mitt Romney said that he had quarantined himself after having contact with Paul.
“Since Senator Romney sat next to Senator Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidance, the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor," a Romney spokesperson said in a statement. "He has no symptoms but will be tested. He urges members to pass a relief package as quickly as possible that provides assistance for families, workers, and small businesses.”
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah is also under quarantine after coming in contact with Sen. Paul.
Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Cory Gardner of Colorado were already under self-quarantine after coming into contact with diplomatic delegations whose members had tested positive.
