Republican Congressman Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart is now reportedly the first member of Congress to test positive for the Coronavirus. As The Daily Wire reports:

A congressman from Florida became the first member of Congress to test positive for the coronavirus that originated in China.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R) announced the diagnosis on Twitter, writing: “I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”

A statement from his office said, “In an abundance of caution, after votes on Friday, March 13th, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart decided to self-quarantine in Washington, D.C, and not return to South Florida because of his wife Tia’s pre-existing conditions that put her at exceptionally high risk. On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19. While in quarantine Diaz-Balart has been working from his apartment in Washington, DC.”

The news comes as hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have been infected with the virus which has now killed over 8,500 people.

The shocking revelations of Balart’s positive test come in the wake of the news that Democrat Senator Michael Bennett has refused to self-quarantine, in spite of the fact that he may have been exposed to the virus.