U.S. congressman Diaz-Balart tests positive for coronavirus - statement

U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart said on Wednesday he has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the first member of Congress known to have contracted the virus. Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, said in a statement he has been self-quarantining in Washington since Friday and he had not returned home to South Florida because his wife's pre-existing conditions put her at exceptionally high risk.

Diaz-Balart said he developed a fever and headache on Saturday evening and he was notified "a short while ago" that he tested positive. Over the past few weeks, several other members of the Senate and House of Representatives have self-quarantined after possibly coming in contact with a person with coronavirus. But Diaz-Balart, who was first elected to Congress in 2002, is the first to announce he has tested positive.