Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson stated Saturday that he examined optimistic for the coronavirus, no less than the third U.S. senator to take action this week since President Trump introduced his personal optimistic check.
Johnson’s workplace introduced the analysis in an announcement Saturday morning, following Utah Sen. Mike Lee and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis’ announcement of being optimistic to COVID-19, including to stress in Washington, D.C., since Trump’s announcement Friday.
Johnson, a second-term Republican, reported being uncovered to somebody with COVID-19 final month — later recognized as his chief of employees — and quarantined for 14 days with out growing signs. He stated he examined unfavorable twice throughout that point.
Johnson returned to Washington, D.C, on Tuesday and stated he was uncovered quickly after that to another person who examined optimistic. He stated he was examined Friday after studying of the publicity and examined optimistic.
Johnson advised The Related Press by cellphone Saturday that he returned from Washington on Thursday and was quarantining at house in Oshkosh. He stated he felt wonderful, with no signs. He stated he determined to get a check after discovering out that Lee caught the illness and was shocked his check got here again optimistic.
Requested whether or not his publicity could have come from different senators, Johnson stated, “Presumably. … No one is aware of. I used to be round all my colleagues.”
Johnson’s spokesman, Ben Voelkel, stated the senator was nonetheless in Wisconsin throughout quarantine and didn’t attend final Saturday’s Rose Backyard occasion during which Trump introduced Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court docket nominee. A number of individuals who attended the occasion, together with Lee, Tillis and former White Home counsellor Kellyanne Conway, introduced optimistic checks this week.
READ MORE: Few coronavirus measures at White House may have led to Trump’s diagnosis: experts
Johnson stated he realized of his optimistic end result whereas driving house after talking Friday night at a Republican dinner in suburban Milwaukee. He stated he wore a masks on the occasion apart from when he delivered his speech. He additionally stated he didn’t shake arms or pose for pictures and left instantly afterward.
“I let folks know why,” he stated. “I’m not taking pictures, I’m not socializing, I’m not a prima donna, I want to remain wholesome so I can present a vote to verify Amy Barrett.”
© 2020 The Canadian Press
