Georgia GOP lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to his office.

Scott is the third Georgia GOP lawmaker to contract COVID-19 and the 26th House member to test positive for the coronavirus. Two other House members have tested positive for having antibodies, suggesting they had COVID-19 at one point.

“Rep. Scott has tested positive for COVID-19 and is following guidance from the House Attending Physician as well as his personal physician,” Scott’s chief of staff, Jason Lawrence, said. 

Congress has also seen a recent rise in the number of lawmakers testing positive that reflects the surge happening across the country.

At least a dozen lawmakers in both chambers have announced they contracted the virus in the past month. The United States has surpassed 13.5 million cases. 

Congress has put measures in place to try to reduce the spread of the disease, including a requirement to wear masks on the Capitol’s campus. 

But it is common to see lawmakers gather in groups, with minimal social distancing on the House floor. 

The House recently made testing widely available to members, staff and press in an attempt to help with contract tracing and prevent further spread.