US Rep. Joe Cunningham tests positive for coronavirus, office says
U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, who represents South Carolina’s coastal 1st District, has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement from his office Friday.
Cunningham, who came in contact with another member of Congress who tested positive for COVID-19, received the news of his positive diagnosis Friday after experiencing some symptoms of the coronavirus.
The Charleston Democrat has been in self-quarantine since March 19.
“While I otherwise feel fine, since March 17th I have been unable to smell or taste, which I learned this week is a potential symptom of COVID-19,” Cunningham said in a statement.
The freshman lawmaker said he will remain at home until he knows he will not spread the disease, according to his statement. Until then, he will be working from home.
“I am grateful that my family remains in good health and urge South Carolinians to follow the guidance and recommendations from the CDC and other health experts so that we can recover from this public health threat,” Cunningham said in a statement.
Cunningham is the first member of South Carolina’s congressional delegation to test positive for the virus.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, 36 members of Congress have self-quarantined, including U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham after coming in contact with a person with the virus at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s Florida resort which he has dubbed the “Southern White House” because he spends a lot of time there. Graham ultimately tested negative for COVID-19.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and U.S. Reps. Ben McAdams, of Utah, and Mario Díaz-Balart, of Florida, have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to reports as of Friday.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 1:55 PM.
