Lindsey Graham says he’s grateful for results of his coronavirus test
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham used Twitter Sunday night to say his coronavirus test results came back negative.
“I was just informed by Dr. Moynihan, the head of the House Physicians Office, that my coronavirus test was NEGATIVE,” South Carolina’s senior senator tweeted. “I’m very grateful and like everyone else will follow the best practices to stay negative.”
Graham was in self-quarantine after potential contact with a Brazilian official who tested positive for COVID-19, his press office said last week.
An aide to Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro tested for positive coronavirus, after attending an event at Mar-a-Lago with Graham and President Donald Trump among others, NPR reported.
The White House said Trump also tested negative for COVID-19, CNN reported.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Graham mentioned the president in his tweet, saying he’s ready to help.
“I look forward to getting back to work with my Senate colleagues and President Trump to contain this virus and stabilize our economy. Thank you very much for all the prayers and well wishes!” Graham tweeted.
In Graham’s home state, 28 people have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
Symptoms of coronavirus vary from mild to severe and include coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.
The best way to prevent infection is to wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC.
As of Monday morning, 169,387 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 6,513 people have died, while 77,257 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 3,774 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 69 deaths have been reported, including 42 in Washington state, according to Johns Hopkins.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
