Rep. Ben McAdams, D-U.T., tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, an announcement that comes shortly after the first known case in Congress — Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-F.L. Others have self-quarantined, but none have reported positive test results.
McAdams said he first became sick with “mild, cold-like symptoms” shortly after returning to Salt Lake City from Washington on Saturday. He went to his doctor the next day and began isolating himself at home and holding meetings on the phone.
After his symptoms got worse, including a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing, he was tested at a local clinic and received his result on Wednesday. The total number of people in Utah with the virus rose to 64 on Wednesday, 10 of them visitors from outside the state.
Restaurants and bars are closed for dine-in service statewide, though many are still open for takeout and drive-thru, and schools are dismissed.
McAdams released a statement —
Please read my statement on contracting #COVID19. I have self-quarantined since first having symptoms and consulted with my doctor. #utpol pic.twitter.com/upx4NcTvF8
— Ben McAdams UT (@BenMcAdamsUT) March 19, 2020
McAdams was elected in 2018 in the Republican-leaning district. He bested Mia Love, the first black female Republican in Congress, by less than 700 votes.
A moderate, he could have an uphill battle to hold the 4th District seat in November. Republicans challenging him include state legislator Kim Coleman and former NFL player Burgess Owens.
McAdams previously served as Salt Lake County mayor and a state lawmaker. His district includes parts of Salt Lake and Utah counties.
In Florida, Diaz-Balart had placed himself under self-quarantine in the nation’s capital on Friday, according to a statement. He said he decided not to return to South Florida because his wife has a pre-existing medical condition.
Diaz-Balart said he developed symptoms, including a fever and headache, on Saturday. He learned Wednesday that he had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better,” Diaz-Balart said in a statement. “However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus.”
He added of the global pandemic now reshaping American life: “We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”
Diaz-Balart has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003.
The Associated Press contributed to this article