SALT LAKE CITY — Both of Utah’s U.S. senators entered quarantine after exposure to Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who tested positive for COVID-19 or novel coronavirus.

Republican Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Lee consulted with the attending physician for Congress, who advised them both to enter quarantine as a precaution for 14 days.

Lee, who has no risk factors and no symptoms, says the physician told him he does not need to be tested for COVID-19. Romney also has no symptoms, but has had closer contact with Paul more recently. As a result, Romney will be tested.

Sen. Lee Statement on Sen. Paul’s COVID-19 Testhttps://t.co/1WXhnfV62m pic.twitter.com/knTpO6FBL3

— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 22, 2020

“Since Sen. Romney sat next to Sen. Paul for extended periods in recent days and consistent with CDC guidance, the attending physician has ordered him to immediately self-quarantine and not to vote on the Senate floor,” Romney’s office said in a statement. “He has no symptoms but will be tested.”

Senator Romney’s office issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/tBSx03ZlTr

— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) March 22, 2020

In the statement, Romney urged his colleagues to work quickly to approve a relief package for people and businesses affected by COVID-19.

Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19. He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 22, 2020

Earlier Sunday, Paul announced his positive test result for coronavirus and said he feels fine. His office later tweeted he immediately left the Senate and entered quarantine after receiving the test results.

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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
• Get a flu shot.

Local resources

State of Utah:  https://coronavirus.utah.gov/

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

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