How many representatives and senators have been infected with COVID-19 until today

2020-11-29T04:06:18.855Z

The coronavirus continues to spread uncontrollably in the United States and congressmen have not been immune: from Dan Newhouse to Mario Diaz-Balart have tested positive. This is the account so far

By Daniela Nougues

The coronavirus does not respect legislative immunity

It does not matter if they are Democrats or Republicans, the Senate or the House of Representatives, the congressmen do not escape the voracious spread of COVID-19, which until this Tuesday, November 24, had caused in the United States more than 257,000 deaths and more of 12 million infections.

At least 87 congressmen have been in quarantine or have had contact with someone infected with COVID-19 to date, according to the GovTrack portal, which tracks the impact of the coronavirus on the operations of Congress.

Of that number,

33 have tested positive

In short, the pandemic has exceeded the legislative jurisdiction and in recent days it has worsened.

From November 12 to 22, at least 13 congressmen have been infected with the virus.

The most recent known cases correspond to:

November 18 - Dan Newhouse

, Republican representative for the 4th District of Washington: reported on his Twitter account that he was in quarantine from home and that he would follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC (for its acronym in English) because he had tested positive.

Newhouse was the eighth House legislator to test positive since Congress returned from recess.

In an interview with The Spokesman, Newhouse said that he had dined inside a restaurant, although he claimed to have used a mask.

The Republican Representative for Washington, Dan Newhouse, on Capitol Hill.

February 2020Getty Images

November 18 - Doug Lamborn

, Republican Representative for the 5th District of Colorado: Through a statement, the congressman's office reported that he had tested positive for COVID-19, that he had "mild" symptoms and that he was in quarantine at your residence.

"He has been in contact with the US House of Representatives physician and is following all CDC guidelines and isolating himself at home in Colorado Springs. The congressman will continue to work for the district from his home, and his staff it will continue to provide the best of services to voters. It hopes to resume its normal program soon, "the statement said.

A spokeswoman indicated that "out of respect for the privacy of his staff," the legislator was not going to comment on whether anyone else in his office had been infected.

Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn shakes hands with President Donald Trump during a rally in Colorado Springs.

February 2020 Getty Images

[This is how scientists will check the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine before it reaches the public]

November 21 - Kelly Loeffler

, Republican senator from Georgia: her spokesman, Stephen Lawson, explained in a statement that the senator had no symptoms and was in quarantine after testing positive in the PCR test, after performing two rapid tests that they had tested negative.

The legislator has been campaigning for reelection, which could determine the balance of power in the Senate.

In recent days, he attended two events with the vice president, Mike Pence.

None were seen wearing masks.

The senator has also been surrounded by infected people: last month, two of her employees tested positive for the virus.

He had also been present at the press conference given by the president, Donald Trump, when he announced that Amy Coney Barrett was his choice for the United States Supreme Court.

Trump later tested positive for COVID-19.

The Senate election between Republican Kelly Loeffler (photo) and Democrat Raphael Warnock will be decided in January 2021. Reuters

November 17 - Cheri Bustos

, Democratic Representative for the 17th District of Illinois: Through Twitter, Bustos reported her contagion and stated that she was presenting mild symptoms.

He indicated that he would work from his residence until the doctor gave him the go-ahead to return to his office.

He also said that all the people with whom he had been in contact had been notified.

He also referred to the increase in cases in his district.

"We must all remain vigilant and follow best public health practices: wear a mask, practice social distancing, get a flu shot and wash your hands," he wrote on Twitter.

[Oxford and AstraZeneca say their vaccine protects against COVID-19 with 70% initial efficacy, which can go up to 90%]

November 17 - Chuck Grassley

, Republican Senator from Iowa: The Senate's longest-serving senator reported on Twitter: "I will follow my doctors' orders and CDC guidelines and continue to quarantine. I feel fine and will continue my work for the Iowans from home, "he said.

Grassley is third in the line of presidential succession.

Senator Chuck Grassley, Third in Line of Presidential Succession, Tests Positive for COVID-19

Nov. 18, 202000: 21

November 14 - Rick Scott

, Republican senator from Florida: The legislator himself reported on his health through Twitter.

“After several negative tests, I learned I was positive for COVID-19 this morning.

I feel fine and have very mild symptoms.

I will work from home until it is safe for me to return to DC, ”Scott wrote.

He also alerted the population to stay protected from the pandemic.

"I remind everyone to be careful and do the right thing to protect themselves and others," said the Republican.

In October, seven lawmakers tested positive for COVID-19

October 6 - Salud Carbajal

, Democratic representative for the 24th District of California: initially a test was carried out for having been in contact with someone infected, but it was negative.

However, he was in quarantine.

Later he presented mild symptoms and a new test was carried out on medical orders, which was positive for the virus.

"The vast majority of my staff have been working remotely and are not at risk. The staff members I interacted with have been tested and tested negative, or are in the process of undergoing a test," he said through from a statement released on October 7, after learning that he was infected.

He made a reminder of the importance of taking precautions and following the recommendations of health experts.

"I hope this serves as a reminder of how easily this virus can spread. I followed all precautions, including wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing, and was unfortunately still exposed. It is the responsibility of each of we take careful precautions to protect the health and safety of those around us, ”Carbajal reiterated.

["It won't be a bed of roses."

Doctors Ask CDC to Warn of COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects]

October 2 -

Thom Tilli

s, Republican Senator from North Carolina: Also tested positive for COVID-19.

Through a statement, he assured that during the last months he had been undergoing constant tests on a routine basis, but the one on October 2 tested positive for the coronavirus.

He indicated that he would be isolated and that he would notify everyone with whom he came in contact.

He also recalled how dangerous the virus is and called for following the recommendations of doctors, such as the use of masks, and social distancing.

Senator Thom Tillis attends a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

November 17, 2020. REUTERS

July 29 - Raúl Grijalva

, Democratic Representative for Arizona's 3rd District: Tested positive for COVID-19 after a week in Washington DC His spokesman, Geoff Nolan, said the legislator was asymptomatic and quarantined at his residence .

It is unknown how Grijalva contracted the virus, but it is a possibility that it was during the hearing of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, held at the end of July, and which was attended by his counterpart from Texas, Louie Gohmert, who also tested positive for the virus.

Congressman Raúl Grijalva.AP

July 29 - Louie Gohmert,

representative of the 1st District of Texas: joins the list of legislators infected by coronavirus.

The Republican was seen several times at various events without wearing a mask.

During an interview with CNN last July, he said that he did not wear a mask because he is regularly tested for the virus.

Before Gohmert's contagion was known, he was scheduled to travel to Texas with Trump on the presidential Air Force One plane.

After knowing the Gohmert contagion, the president of the Lower House, Nancy Pelosi, decreed the mandatory use of masks in the hemicycle.

Another Republican congressman tests positive for COVID-19

July 30, 202000: 48

March 27 - Mike Kelly

, Republican Representative for Pennsylvania's 16th District: Was one of those who tested positive for COVID-19 at the start of the pandemic.

Through a press release, the legislator indicated that he consulted his doctor after feeling flu symptoms.

The test for the virus was positive.

"My doctor ordered a COVID-19 test, which was done at Butler Memorial Hospital. My test came back positive this afternoon. Thanks to my doctor Bill DiCuccio and the Butler Memorial staff for their excellent care. My symptoms are still mild and I will serve District 16 from home until I fully recover. In addition, my staff works remotely and is still available to voters who need help, "says the statement issued on March 27.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly on the day the House of Representatives takes articles of impeachment against Trump.

December 18, 2019 Getty Images

March 22 -

Utah Republican Senator

Mike Lee

: was diagnosed with COVID-19 after showing symptoms.

Through a statement, he indicated that after receiving the result, he would isolate himself for 10 days.

"Like many other Utahns, I will now spend part of 2020 working from home," he said.

[When will the coronavirus vaccine be available, who will receive it first, and when will their turn come]

Ten days after testing positive, Lee spoke without a mask at Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's first confirmation hearing.

His case is also one of those related to the day President Trump nominated Barret to the White House.

On his Twitter account, the senator shared a letter from congressional assistant physician Brian Monohan, who signaled an end to isolation after the senator complied with CDC guidelines.

"You have met the criteria to terminate COVID-19 isolation for those with mild to moderate illness. Specifically, it has been more than 10 days since the onset of symptoms, you have had no fever in the absence of medication, and your other symptoms have improved. The CDC does not recommend repeating the PCR test if these criteria are met, "the document says.

CDC Considers Reducing Quarantine Period for People Exposed to Coronavirus

Nov. 25, 202000: 23

March 22 - Rand Paul

, Republican Senator from Kentucky: was the first COVID-19 case in the Senate.

The news about the contagion was known through their Twitter account, where they reported that the legislator was asymptomatic and that he was in quarantine.

Paul had participated in various events, however, he reiterated that he was unaware that any person with whom he had contact has been infected.

“He hopes to return to the Senate after his quarantine period ends and he will continue to serve the people of Kentucky at this difficult time.

Ten days ago, our DC office began operating remotely, so practically no personnel have had contact with Senator Rand Paul, ”they noted in the senator's Twitter account.

Currently lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky.Scott Olson / Getty

March 18 - Mario Diaz-Balart

, Republican Representative for Florida's 25th District: He went into quarantine in Washington, after testing positive for COVID-19 and presenting symptoms such as fever and headache.

According to a statement, the Miami lawmaker said he had decided not to return to his home in South Florida because his wife has a pre-existing medical condition.

"It is very important that everyone takes this very seriously and follows the CDC guidelines to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these difficult times," the statement said.