Updated Nov. 18, 4 p.m.
In the past 24 hours, two members of Colorado's Congressional delegation have announced they've tested positive for COVID-19.
Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter said he received a positive result Tuesday. On Wednesday, Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn's office revealed he'd tested positive recently as well.
“As of now, I am asymptomatic and I’m feeling good. I am currently in Washington, D.C., and plan to isolate in my apartment while continuing to work and voting remotely," Perlmutter said in a statement.
“I’ve been taking precautions like so many Coloradans over the past eight months," he continued. "This serves as an important reminder that this virus is highly contagious and should be taken seriously. As we enter the holiday season, I encourage everyone to continue to heed the warnings of no personal gatherings, social distancing and wearing a mask.”
Lamborn's office said he is experiencing mild symptoms and will also continue to work while isolating at his home in Colorado Springs.
While these are the first positive diagnoses among members of Colorado's congressional delegation, there have been close brushes in the past. Both Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Jason Crow had to self-isolate in March after meeting with a constituent who tested positive. And several members of Lamborn's staff caught the virus in October.
Perlmutter and Lamborn are among thousands of Coloradans who've caught the virus in recent weeks as infection rates have soared. On Tuesday Gov. Jared Polis announced the state is adding a new, heightened level of coronavirus concern. Starting on Nov. 20, 15 counties, including those in Perlmutter's suburban Denver district, will enact the new restrictions.
NPR reports that more than two dozen members of Congress have gotten COVID-19 so far.
