Ben McAdams, the second congressman diagnosed with COVID-19, was released from the hospital, he revealed on Instagram, urging people to take the virus outbreak seriously and to adhere to safety guidelines.
“Today my doctors are releasing me from the hospital because I am well enough to continue my recovery at home,” a visibly relieved McAdams said in a video recorded message on Instagram. “I am so grateful to all the hospital staff at the @uofuhealth who have helped me get to this point. My gratitude also goes out to all medical and hospital workers, and everyone on the frontlines who are working tirelessly for our health and safety. I urge everyone to please take the threats of coronavirus seriously. Follow the CDC and public health guidelines for how we can all help to prevent the spread of the virus.”
McAdams (D-Utah) was the second member of Congress to become infected after Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart tested positive for the CCP virus, commonly referred to as the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.
McAdams again urged people to take COVID-19 seriously, saying he was a healthy, sporty 45-year-old individual but that the disease still had him bed-ridden for several weeks.
“I’m young, I’m 45 years old, I’m healthy, I exercise every day and it hit me really hard,” he said. “Please take this seriously and follow the guidance of our public health officials. If not for your sake, do it for your friends or your loved ones who you might expose, or just be a part of slowing the spread of, this dangerous virus — flattening the curve so we can treat those people who it does hit hard. Because it could happen to anyone,” McAdams, who lost 13 pounds due to the Illness, told ABC News.
“I’m virus-free and they told me that I can be out of quarantine. I still am practicing social distancing and remaining isolated but I’m doing so much better,” McAdams said on Instagram.
Please read my statement on contracting #COVID19. I have self-quarantined since first having symptoms and consulted with my doctor. #utpol pic.twitter.com/upx4NcTvF8
— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) March 19, 2020
McAdams said in a statement that he developed mild cold-like symptoms on March 14 after returning from Washington, and after consulting with his physician the next day, immediately began self-isolating at his home. He said he is conducting all meetings via phone.
“My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough, and labored breathing and I remained self-quarantined,” he said in the statement. “On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test.” On March 18, McAdams learned he tested positive.
