#Rep. Rodney Davis tests positive for COVID-19

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis has tested positive for coronavirus, less than one week after he delivered a presentation on staying safe from the virus in the Capitol.

Davis, the top-ranking Republican on the House Administration Committee, was diagnosed Wednesday morning, he said in a statement.

The congressman said he had been giving himself twice-daily temperature checks as a precautionary measure since the start of the pandemic. He opted to get a test Wednesday after developing a fever of 99 degrees.

“Because of the high temperature, my wife and I received a test this morning. While my test came back positive, my wife’s test came back negative. My staff who I’ve worked with in-person this week have received negative tests as well. Other than a higher-than-normal temperature, I am showing no symptoms at this time and feel fine,” he said.

Last Thursday, Davis led a brief, private presentation for his fellow GOP lawmakers on staying safe in Capitol buildings while the pandemic rages on, according to Politico.

The outlet reports that Davis urged everyone to follow the guidelines for staying safe, adding, “Don’t be stupid and become the news story of the day.”

His comments were in reference to Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tx.), who was diagnosed with the virus last week and had been working in the Capitol.

Davis said he will postpone all public events “for the coming days until I receive a negative test.”

“My staff and I take COVID-19 very seriously. My wife is a nurse and a cancer survivor, which puts her in an at-risk category like so many Americans. My office and I have always followed and will continue to follow CDC guidelines, use social distancing, and wear masks or face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained,” he said.

Davis is the 11th member of the House of Representatives to be diagnosed with the virus.