Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis Tests Positive For Coronavirus

TAYLORSVILLE, IL — U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorsville) tested positive for the coronavirus Wednesday, becoming the first member of the Illinois congressional delegation to report having contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Davis, 50, said in a statement his office has postponed all public events and contacting anyone who he has met in-person within the previous 48 hours.

"My staff and I take COVID-19 very seriously. My wife is a nurse and a cancer survivor, which puts her in an at-risk category like so many Americans," Davis said. "My office and I have always followed and will continue to follow CDC guidelines, use social distancing, and wear masks or face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained."

Davis said he has been taking his temperature twice a day since the start of the pandemic. When a thermometer showed his body temperature at 99 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday morning, he and his wife sought a test, according to the statement.

"While my test came back positive, my wife’s test came back negative. My staff who I’ve worked with in-person this week have received negative tests as well," he said. "Other than a higher-than-normal temperature, I am showing no symptoms at this time and feel fine."

Davis, who was first elected to represent the 13th Congressional District in 2012, said district offices across central and southwestern Illinois will remain open, although he plans to remain at home and quarantine until receiving a negative test result.

According to a running tally of members of Congress who have tested positive for the coronavirus or been diagnosed with a suspected case of COVID-19, at least one senator and 10 representatives have contracted the virus.

"During these challenging times, protecting the public health is my highest priority. If you’re out in public, use social distancing, and when you can’t social distance, please wear a mask," the congressman said. "All of us must do our part. That’s what it will take to get through this pandemic."