Utah Sens. Mitt Romney, Mike Lee in quarantine after exposure to senator with COVID-19

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, left, speaks during a news conference in 2018, while Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, speaks to reporters in 2019, in this composite image. Both men are in self-quarantine after fellow Sen. Rand Paul tested positive for COVID-19. | Susan Walsh, left, and Patrick Semansky, right, Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY — Doctors directed Utah Republican Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney to self-quarantine Sunday due to being near Sen. Rand Paul, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Lee said on social media that after learning that Paul, R-Ky., tested positive, he consulted with Congress’ attending physician. He said the doctor told him that because he has no symptoms or risk factors, a COVID-19 test was not warranted.

“However, given the timing, proximity, and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul, he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days. That means no traveling or voting. But I will continue to make sure Utah’s voice is heard as we shape the federal response to the Coronavirus through phone, text, email and whatever other means are available,” Lee wrote.

Sen. Lee Statement on Sen. Paul’s COVID-19 Testhttps://t.co/1WXhnfV62m pic.twitter.com/knTpO6FBL3

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 22, 2020

Like Lee, Romney said he has no symptoms but will be tested for the virus.

“Since Sen. Romney sat next to Sen. Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidance, the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor. He has no symptoms but will be tested,” according to Romney’s office.

Romney also urged Congress “to pass a relief package as quickly as possible that provides assistance for families, workers, and small businesses.”

Earlier Sunday, Paul became the U.S. senator to test positive for COVID-19.

In a tweet the senator said he is “feeling fine” and is in quarantine.

“He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person,” the tweet said.

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/2U9xPBW