U.S. Republican congressman Rodney Davis says he has COVID-19

[August 06, 2020]    WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Rodney Davis said he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, making him at least the 15th U.S. lawmaker to be infected or presumed to have the disease.

Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) testifies as the House Rules Committee meets to consider a resolution authorizing remote voting by proxy in the House of Representatives during a public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. May 14, 2020. REUTERS/Erin Scott

Davis, a Republican of Illinois, said in a statement that he took the test after running a fever Wednesday morning. His office was contacting constituents he had met with within the previous 48 hours, Davis said, and he was postponing public events until he had received a negative test.

"If you’re out in public, use social distancing, and when you can’t social distance, please wear a mask. All of us must do our part. That’s what it will take to get through this pandemic," said Davis, 50.

At least 14 other members of the House of Representatives and Senate - seven Republicans and seven Democrats - have tested positive or were presumed to have had COVID-19 since the novel coronavirus pandemic began earlier this year.

Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who has steadfastly refused to wear a mask during the pandemic, said a week ago he had tested positive for COVID-19, leading at least three of his colleagues to say they would self-quarantine.

More than 157,000 people have died in the United States from COVID-19 and more than 4.7 million cases have been reported in the country and its territories, according to Reuters tallies.

(Editing by Leslie Adler)

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