WASHINGTON -- The chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee says he has tested positive for coronavirus days after he sat close to another member of the panel, Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert, who also tested positive.
Rep. Raul Grijalva, an Arizona Democrat, said in a statement Saturday that he tested positive but, like Gohmert, has no symptoms.
Grijalva is at least the 11th member of Congress known to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
It’s unclear where Grijalva caught the virus and whether it was from Gohmert, a Republican who has questioned the use of mask and often walked around the Capitol without one.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.