Sen. Bill Cassidy tested positive for Covid-19 after exposure to a person with the coronavirus, he said Thursday.
The Louisiana Republican will hold a two-week quarantine and inform everyone he came in contact with, he said in a statement. Cassidy, a physician, is the second U.S. senator to test positive for Covid-19 after Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky.
“I strictly follow the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same,” he said. Cassidy did not detail the severity of his symptoms.
While the pandemic is spreading across the country, it has made its mark on Congress. Together with the two senators, at least nine U.S. representatives have tested positive for Covid-19.
When Washington came to a standstill while passing a fifth coronavirus relief package, Cassidy has been one of the loudest advocates for help among Senate Republicans. He spoke about legislative development in a remote interview Thursday morning with CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
It is unclear whether he received all his positive test results at the time.
“We need to get something passed,” he said of using coronavirus, adding that Republicans should increase the proposed price tag for their account.
Cassidy has broken with his party in calling for at least $ 500 billion more in aid to state and local governments. Relief for states and municipalities has divided the GOP and Democrats during the negotiations.
The Trump administration has offered $ 150 billion in aid, while Democrats have raised more than $ 900 billion.
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