Wisconsin State Rep. Tests Positive For Coronavirus

SHOREWOOD, WI — David Bowen, a Democratic State Rep. who represents parts of Shorewood and Milwaukee's northeast side in the state's 10th assembly district, said he's been infected with the new coronavirus.

"As of today, I am one of the 182 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Milwaukee, and that number will only increase by the day," he said in a news release.

Bowen, 33, said he's following advice from local health officials and is recovering in quarantine.

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"I found out early last week from the Shorewood Health Department that I had come in contact with a fellow local elected official who had tested positive for COVID-19, and immediately went into quarantine," Bowen said. "Later in the week, I began showing symptoms myself."

Bowen said he got tested for COVID-19, which came back positive for the virus. Bowen said he did not know whether he was infected by the elected official in question, or from someone else in the community.

"One thing is certain," he said. "It is imperative that this virus be taken seriously and that individuals minimize social interactions and stay home to prevent further spread of this virus and its immobilizing symptoms."

Bowen said he would have reduced his exposure to others had he known he was a carrier. Bowen said he is supportive of Gov. Tony Evers' "safer at home" order that will be enacted Tuesday.

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