Pennsylvania congressman tests positive for coronavirus

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) announced Friday he has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the fifth known member of Congress to have contracted COVID-19.

Kelly said in a statement he began experiencing flu-like symptoms earlier this week and went to a doctor, who issued a coronavirus test. The test results were returned Friday afternoon.

“My symptoms remain mild, and I will serve the 16th district from home until I fully recover. Additionally, my staff is tele-working and still available to constituents who need assistance,” Kelly said.

Kelly added that he was absent for Friday’s vote on a sweeping, $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package as he awaited his test results but that he would have voted to pass the bill. The legislation was signed into law by President Trump on Friday afternoon.

The Pennsylvania Republican is the latest lawmaker to test positive for the coronavirus, joining Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Ben McAdams (D-Utah) and Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

More than 97,000 Americans have tested positive for the coronavirus, and more than 1,500 people have died.