Warner to quarantine after coronavirus exposure

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) will quarantine after being exposed to someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, a spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.

“Senator Warner learned today that a close contact has tested positive for COVID-19. While Senator Warner has tested negative, out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with guidance provided by the Office of the Attending Physician, he will be working remotely during his quarantine period,” said spokesperson Rachel Cohen.

Warner is among a host of House and Senate Democrats and Republicans who have had to quarantine due to exposure to people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Dozens of lawmakers have also tested positive themselves.

Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R-La.) died in December of complications from the coronavirus before being sworn in for his first term in office. His widow is running for his seat in a special election in March. 

The coronavirus vaccine is being distributed to millions of people in the hopes of getting the pandemic under control. However, recent mutations of the virus coming from South Africa may require the vaccines to be modified. Pfizer and Moderna are the only two companies with approved vaccines on the market. 

The world has already surpassed 100 million cases of the virus, with the United States leading in the most cases and deaths from the pandemic. More than 25 million cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in the U.S. in nearly a year since it was declared a pandemic.