TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — UPDATE: Georgia state Senator Brandon Beach also tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
The disclosure led Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and other top Senate officials to announce they will self-isolate themselves for weeks.
Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida has become the first member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus.
"On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms including a fever and headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19," his office said in a news release.
Diaz-Balart said in a statement that he is "feeling much better" but urged the public to take the virus "extremely seriously."
I'm feeling much better. However, it's important that everyone take this seriously and follow @CDCgov guidelines in order to avoid getting sick & mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times. pic.twitter.com/g5W5vSQIyH
— Mario Diaz-Balart (@MarioDB) March 18, 2020
At least 14 other lawmakers have announced steps to self-quarantine or otherwise isolate themselves as a precaution after coming into contact with an infected individual.
