U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Taylorville Republican, announced Wednesday he has contracted the coronavirus disease.
In a statement sent to media, Davis explained he has been getting his temperature taken twice daily since the pandemic began.
"This morning my temperature clocked in at 99 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than normal for me," he wrote, adding that he and his wife received a test.
"While my test came back positive, my wife's test came back negative. Other than higher than normal temperature, I am showing no symptoms at this time and I feel fine," Davis said.
His staff who he worked with in-person this week received negative tests as well. Davis said the Office of the Attending Physician of Congress and local county health officials are contating constituents who met with the congressman this week.
"My staff and I take COVID-19 very seriously," Davis said. "My wife is a nurse and cancer survivor, which puts her in an at-risk category like so many Americans. My office and I have always followed and will continue to follow CDC guidelines, use social distancing and wear masks or face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained."
Davis is running for re-election in the 13th congressional district against Democrat Betsy Dirksen-Londrigan of Springfield. He said he will postpone events he'd planned for the next several days until he receives a negative test. Davis plans to work from home during the period, but his district offices will remain open.
"During these challenging times, protecting the public health is my highest priority. All of us must do our part. That's what it will take to get through this pandemic," he said.
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