CARBONDALE, Ill. — U.S. Representative Mike Bost has tested positive for COVID-19.
Bost found out he was positive for the virus Thursday night, he announced in a news release Friday morning. He said he was taking his temperature regularly and had no evidence of a fever.
He did have a mild cough and a “rapid” loss of taste and smell and got tested immediately.
Rep. Bost — who represents Illinois' 12th Congressional District, which covers East St. Louis and southern Illinois — said any staff in Congress who he has had close contact with will quarantine until they receive their test results. His staff also is reaching out to any constituents he met with in the last few days.
Bost announced he will be postponing his public event schedule but will continue conducting virtual meetings while he is isolated at home.
“We are taking this situation seriously and will continue to serve the people of Southern Illinois while doing our best to ensure their health and safety. I will provide additional updates in the days ahead and am anxious to get back to work as soon as I make a full recovery,” Bost said in the release.
Statement from Ray Lenzi, Democratic candidate for Illinois' 12th Congressional District:
"Our opponent, Mike Bost, has been diagnosed with COVID-19. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope his family stays safe while he deals with his symptoms. Mike Bost is in our thoughts today.
This is a reminder that in order to beat this pandemic, we need to come together and work toward solutions and keep our people informed and safe. This virus is not a Chinese Hoax. It's very real and very dangerous. Please stay safe everyone."