Bustos tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, announced on Monday she tested positive for COVID-19.

The Illinois Democrat said she was tested after experiencing mild symptoms and will quarantine while working remotely.

“I have tested positive for the COVID virus. I am experiencing mild symptoms but still feel well. I have been in contact with my medical provider and, per CDC guidance, am self-isolating. Consistent with medical advice, I will be working remotely from my home in Illinois until cleared by my physician. All individuals that I had been in contact with have been notified,” she tweeted.

I have tested positive for the COVID virus. I am experiencing mild symptoms, but still feel well.

I have been in contact with my medical provider and, per CDC guidance, am self-isolating.

— Rep. Cheri Bustos (@RepCheri) November 16, 2020

“Across the country and the Congressional District I serve, COVID case numbers are skyrocketing. We must all continue to be vigilant in following public health best practices: wear a mask, practice social distancing, get your flu shot and wash your hands,” she added. “The only way we will get this pandemic under control is by working together.”

In addition to Bustos, Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) also announced on Monday he has tested positive for coronavirus. 

The attending physician at the Capitol launched a new testing program for members and staff on Monday amid the surge in cases seen across the country. House Republicans have repeatedly called for additional testing for those who work on the Capitol’s campus, including the media in an effort to tamp down on the spread in Washington. 

Dozens of lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, including Reps. Don Young (R-Ala.), Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Ben McAdams (D-Utah), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Tom Rice (R-S.C.) and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), along with GOP Sens. Bill Cassidy (La.), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mike Lee (Utah), Rand Paul (Ky.) and Thom Tillis (N.C.).

Updated at 3:55 p.m.