Pa. Congressman Mike Kelly says he’s tested positive for COVID-19

By: - March 27, 2020 5:14 pm

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District, is backing a bill banning abortion at as early as six weeks.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District, has tested positive for COVID-19, his office said Friday.

In a statement, Kelly’s office said the northwestern Pennsylvania lawmaker began experiencing flu-like symptoms earlier this week. He contacted his doctor, who ordered a COVID-19 test. The test returned a positive result on Friday afternoon.

Kelly issued a statement on the diagnosis:

“When I started experiencing mild flu-like symptoms earlier this week, I consulted my primary care physician. My doctor ordered a test for COVID-19, which I obtained at the drive-through testing site at Butler Memorial Hospital. My test came back positive this afternoon. Thank you to my doctor Bill DiCuccio and the staff at Butler Memorial for their excellent care. My symptoms remain mild, and I will serve the 16th District from home until I fully recover. Additionally, my staff is tele-working and still available to constituents who need assistance.”

Pa. U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright is self-quarantining after contact with confirmed COVID-19 patient

Kelly was not in Washington Friday when the U.S. House voted to approve a $2 trillion COVID-19 relief package. In his statement, Kelly said he would have voted in favor of the bill if he had been present to do so. Hours later, President Donald Trump signed the bill into law.

In a statement, state Rep. Ryan Bizzaro, D-Erie, said he was “saddened” to learn of Kelly’s diagnosis. Kelly represents the city in Washington D.C.

“This disease does not discriminate and it’s imperative that we follow recommendations to stay home and stay safe, practice social distancing and only go out if absolutely necessary,” Bizzaro said. “Coronavirus is extremely serious, and we must adhere to the strict mitigation efforts if we are going to beat this and protect our family and friends from this terrible virus. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time. I hope that no one is further negatively impacted as a result of his diagnosis.”

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