Rep. Joe Wilson tests positive for Covid-19

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The South Carolina Republican, who spoke in the House earlier today, said in a statement: “Earlier this evening I heard that I tested positive for COVID-19. I will take all necessary precautions, as indicated by the House. Arts. “

“Fortunately, I feel fine and have no symptoms. It is so important that we all do our part to help prevent the spread of this virus.”

Wilson, 73, joins a significant number of lawmakers from both parties and chambers of Congress who have announced that they have tested positive for Covid-19 in recent weeks.

Rep. Rick Allen, a Georgian Republican, and Rep. Susie Lee, a Democrat from Nevada, separately announced last month that they had contracted the virus.

Their announcements came just days after two other lawmakers – Representative Bryan Steil, a Wisconsin Republican, and Joe Courtney, a Connecticut Democrat – said they had been diagnosed with Covid.

In total, at least 11 senators and 36 MPs have tested positive for the coronavirus or its antibodies since the start of the pandemic.

The increase in the number of cases on Capitol Hill is as the pandemic continues to reach new heights across the country, with the U.S. having an average of about 212,000 new cases per day, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

And the number could get even higher if Americans choose to travel and collect unsafe for the holidays. Experts have been warning for weeks against traditional celebrations to prevent further spread of the virus, which in turn could lead to another wave of Covid-19 cases.

The troubling presence of the virus in Congress underscores the unique challenges lawmakers face as they grapple with negotiating incentives for Americans while taking steps to prevent the virus itself from spreading.

This is a groundbreaking story and will be updated.

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