Democrat Rep. Joe Cunningham Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Democrat Rep. Joe Cunningham has tested positive for the coronavirus, his office announced on Friday.

The representative is now the fourth lawmaker to test positive for the Chinese virus.

Cunningham’s office said that the South Carolina representative had come into contact with another lawmaker who had the virus. He has had some symptoms of the virus and been in self-quarantine since March 17.

“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. “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.”

“I have been in contact with my doctor since I entered self-quarantine. Yesterday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following a virtual consultation on MUSC.care, I went to my local testing clinic. Today, I learned that I tested positive,” Cunningham continued.

Cunningham’s wife and two year old son are not currently showing any symptoms, and his are reportedly beginning to improve.

There are currently 36 members of congress who are self-quarantined.

Sen. Rand Paul and Reps. Ben McAdams and Mario Díaz-Balart have previously tested positive for the coronavirus.

Rep. McAdams currently remains hospitalized due to difficulty breathing.

 

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