Connecticut Democrat diagnosed with COVID-19

A Democratic congressman from Connecticut tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement released through his office Sunday.

In the statement, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) said that he was exposed to the virus by someone who did not know at the time they had contracted it. He said he was experiencing “mild” symptoms.

“Upon learning of that initial exposure, I immediately began following the strict isolation guidelines laid out by the CDC and by my doctor while I waited to get a coronavirus test. After my first test came back negative, I continued to isolate but began to experience mild symptoms,” said the congressman.

“I got another test and, this evening I was notified that the second test came back positive,” he continued.

“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’s diagnosis comes as the U.S. surged past 12 million cases of COVID-19 this week and officials marked a tragic milestone of 250,000 Americans dead from the virus.

In Connecticut, the rate of new cases has surged past a peak the state saw earlier this year and now sits at a 7-day average of more than 1,800 new cases per day.