Washington • Sen. Mitt Romney has tested negative for COVID-19, his office said Tuesday, though the Utah Republican will stay in quarantine for the full 14 days out of precaution.
“Thankfully I’ve tested negative for COVID-19,” Romney tweeted. “Nevertheless, guidance from my physician, consistent with the CDC guidelines, requires me to remain in quarantine as the test does not rule out the onset of symptoms during the 14-day period.”
Romney, on advice of the attending physician of Congress, has isolated himself after being in close contact with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also has self-quarantined because of his exposure to Paul. The two Utah senators flew back on a private plane to Utah from Washington on Sunday after learning about Paul’s diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Rep. Ben McAdams, a Utah Democrat and one of two House members who has contracted COVID-19, remains hospitalized as of Tuesday evening.
“I remain in the hospital on advice of doctors. They are monitoring my occasional need for supplemental oxygen and have advised me that I still need to be here. I’m grateful to the medical providers for the excellent care I am receiving, and I appreciate all the good wishes and prayers people are sending to me and to my family.”
McAdams, who was admitted to a Utah hospital on Friday, also urged his colleagues to put aside partisanship in dealing with the third relief bill to help with the coronavirus. Congressional and White House officials said Tuesday they were closing in on final details of a nearly $2 trillion bill.
“Using a public health emergency to insert unrelated partisan provisions is wrong,” McAdams said. “Both parties and both chambers must put politics aside and put working families — lives and livelihoods — first. Utahns want something done immediately and I call on my colleagues to reach bipartisan agreement.”
Follow @thomaswburr