DENVER — Three members of Colorado's Congressional delegation, Sen. Michael Bennet (D), Sen. Cory Gardner (R) and Rep. Jason Crow (D), each came into contact with a person who has COVID-19.
The Tri-County Health Department, which covers Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, alerted them on Tuesday that last week, they had been in contact with a person who tested positive.
In each instance, the person is a Coloradan who visited Washington, D.C. on March 11 – it's unclear if it was the same person.
None of the lawmakers are showing symptoms, though Gardner and Crow both opted to self-quarantine the same day they learned of the test result. Bennet did not fully quarantine himself.
"He appreciates Tri-County's notification and recommendation. Michael has consulted with the attending physician of the U.S. Congress and he is following his advice closely, including monitoring his health, isolating in his home and office, and continuing to practice social distancing and other protective measures. He plans to vote today following the guidance set forth by the leadership of the Senate," Bennet's office said.
He participated in the Senate vote on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on Wednesday, the same day two other members of Congress said they were positive for COVID-19. The bill passed with a strong majority that included Bennet.
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Gardner could not vote because he was not present. He was first to announce the contact in a news release.
“I was alerted today by the Tri-County Health Department that a Coloradan who visited my Washington office for a constituent meeting has tested positive for coronavirus. While I am not showing any symptoms at this time, I have made the decision to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution with an effective date of March 11th at the recommendation of the Tri-County Health Department. The health and safety of Coloradans and Americans across the nation is my top priority, and I will continue working to make sure Congress provides the resources needed to help combat the spread of COVID-19."
Gardner voted in favor of the first COVID-19 emergency spending bill and has worked on legislation to fight the outbreak. Also Wednesday, he suggested the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture waive forest service fees that ski areas in Colorado normally pay because of lost revenue during the coronavirus closures.
Crow's office also issued a statement, as well, saying it was his responsibility to quarantine:
“We have a personal responsibility as citizens to do everything we can to contain the spread of coronavirus. Even though I have no symptoms, we have to treat any possible exposure with the utmost caution and for that reason, I will self-quarantine. This is a pandemic and it’s incumbent upon every American to do their part. While at home, I look forward to working full steam ahead to provide the federal resources our community needs to address this crisis.”
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