CORONAVIRUS

Utah Sens. Lee, Romney To Self-Quarantine After Sen. Paul Tests Positive For COVID-19

Mar 22, 2020, 3:27 PM | Updated: 5:40 pm

FILE: (L-R) Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) talk as they arrive at the Senate cham...

FILE: (L-R) Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) talk as they arrive at the Senate chamber for the Senate impeachment trial of U.S. President Donald Trump continues on January 30, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Both of Utah’s senators have announced they will self-quarantine after Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., tested positive for COVID-19.

Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee released statements Sunday saying they will step away from the U.S. Capitol after spending time near Paul, who was the third member of Congress to test positive for the virus.

Utah Rep. Ben McAdams announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and said he has self-isolated at his West Jordan home.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., was the first member of Congress to test positive for the virus on March 18.

Lee’s statement: “Upon learning that my colleague Sen. Paul tested positive for COVID-19, I consulted the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress Dr. Harding. He advised me that because I have no symptoms or other risk factors, a COVID-19 test was not warranted. However, given the timing, proximity, and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul, he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days. That means no traveling or voting. But I will continue to make sure Utah’s voice is heard as we shape the federal response to the Coronavirus through phone, text, email and whatever other means are available.”

Romney’s statement: “Since Senator Romney sat next to Senator Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidance, the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor. He has no symptoms but will be tested. He urges members to pass a relief package as quickly as possible that provides assistance for families, workers, and small businesses.”


Coronavirus Resources

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.

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Utah Sens. Lee, Romney To Self-Quarantine After Sen. Paul Tests Positive For COVID-19