Congressman Salud Carbajal has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Tuesday.
He was instructed to quarantine in Washington, D.C. after learning he had been exposed to Utah Senator Mike Lee, who has also tested positive for COVID-19, according to his office.
While Carbajal's initial test results came back negative, he says he got tested again after he began experiencing mild symptoms and those results came back positive.
Carbajal says he will continue to self-monitor and carry out his duties virtually.
"The vast majority of my staff has been working remotely and are not at risk. Staff members who I did interact with have been tested and are negative, or are pursuing a test,” Carbajal said in a statement Tuesday.
“I hope this serves a reminder of how easily this virus can spread. I followed every precaution, including wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand-washing and unfortunately was still exposed. It is incumbent on every single one of us to take careful precautions in order to protect the health and safety of those around us.
He hopes to return to the Central Coast soon.
