Rep. DeSaulnier leaves ICU after 3 weeks to continue treatment for pneumonia

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) left the intensive care unit (ICU) of a Washington, D.C., hospital on Monday after spending three weeks there for treatment of pneumonia unrelated to COVID-19.

A statement from the congressman’s family released through his office said DeSaulnier was still being treated in the hospital but was no longer listed in critical condition.

“Our dad is a fighter, he has made good progress, and today he moved out of the intensive care unit and will continue to be treated in the hospital for non-COVID pneumonia,” the congressman’s two sons said.

“This would be difficult enough at any time, but given the daily dangers we all face from coronavirus, his path ahead is especially complicated,” they added. “We are incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of ICU doctors, nurses and hospital staff who cared for our dad and go above and beyond for everyone who enters their doors.”

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— Mark DeSaulnier (@RepDeSaulnier) April 13, 2020

The congressman entered the ICU on March 13 after developing pneumonia as a complication from a rib fracture that occurred from a fall during a run. A week later, he was moved into intensive care when his health took a turn for the worse.

The 68-year-old is currently in his third term as the representative for California’s 11th District. His injury last month left him unable to vote on the stimulus package which passed the House and Senate in response to the coronavirus outbreak, which has caused nonessential businesses to close around the country.

Updated at 11:10 p.m.