VERNON, Conn. — Rep. Joe Courtney has tested positive for COVID-19, his office confirmed Sunday evening.
The Connecticut Democrat, who is isolating at home, said he is experiencing “mild symptoms,” the Hartford Courant reported.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in my treating doctor and in my team. Our work for eastern Connecticut will continue as always, and I’ll keep performing my duties in a safe, remote fashion while isolated at my home,” Courtney told the newspaper.
In a statement, the congressman said he was “inadvertently exposed to someone who would later test positive for COVID-19” last week. He said his first COVID-19 test came back negative, but because he began experiencing “mild symptoms,” he requested another test that came back positive on Sunday, WTNH reported.
“This experience reinforces my strong belief that right now, we need to be doing our part to help our communities by listening to the experts at the CDC. We’ve got to remain vigilant about wearing masks, social distancing and the basic essentials like washing our hands frequently,” Courtney stated.
Courtney is the second member of the state’s five-member House delegation to contract the novel coronavirus, the Courant reported, noting Rep. Jahana Hayes, a Democrat from Wolcott, tested positive for the virus in September.
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