U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., announced on Wednesday that he tested positive to coronavirus.
“In an abundance of caution, after votes on Friday, March 13th, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart decided to self-quarantine in Washington, D.C, and not return to South Florida because of his wife Tia’s pre-existing conditions that put her at exceptionally high risk. On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19. While in quarantine Diaz-Balart has been working from his apartment in Washington, DC,” the congressman’s office noted on Wednesday.
Diaz-Balart issued a statement on Wednesday.
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better,” he said. “However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order 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 trying times.”
The South Florida Republican was not the only member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus. U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, also tested positive for it.
First elected to Congress in 2002, Diaz-Balart sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and leads Republicans on the U.S. House Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Subcommittee.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
