U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney Tests Positive For Coronavirus

CONNECTICUT — U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney said he has tested positive for the coronavirus.

"This evening I was notified that I tested positive for COVID-19," Courtney, 67, said in a statement Sunday. "I've got mild symptoms, but I'm confident in my treating doctor and in my team--our work for eastern Connecticut will continue as always, and I'll be getting my official duties done in a safe, remote fashion for the time being while I isolate at home. Wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands."

Courtney, a Democrat who represents the 2nd Congressional District, said he learned last week he was "inadvertently" exposed to someone who would later test positive for COVID-19, although the person wasn't aware of their positive status at the time.

“Upon learning of that initial exposure, I immediately began following the strict isolation guidelines laid out by the CDC and by my doctor while I waited to get a coronavirus test," Courtney said. "After my first test came back negative, I continued to isolate but began to experience mild symptoms. I got another test and, this evening I was notified that the second test came back positive."

He added, "This experience reinforces my strong belief that right now, we need to be doing our part to help our communities by listening to the experts at the CDC—we’ve got to remain vigilant about wearing masks, social distancing, and the basic essentials like washing our hands frequently. There are folks in eastern Connecticut working hard every day to help our region through this pandemic, and following the CDC’s guidelines is the best way we can support their efforts here on the ground.”

Courtney easily won re-election earlier this month. He has held his position since 2007.