The state Senate of Georgia is about to get some alone time.
The entire chamber was advised to self-quarantine after Republican Sen. Brandon Beach tested positive for the COVID-19 virus on Wednesday. The senator had taken a coronavirus test on Saturday after feeling ill but returned to cast a vote on Monday after his symptoms appeared to subside.
“After experiencing a fever and cough, I sought medical attention last week,” Beach told the Marietta Daily Journal. “The diagnosis I was given was not coronavirus, but I did get tested for it on Saturday. With medication, I felt better by Monday and thought I was in the clear. Today, however, my test came back positive.”
He continued, “For now, I’m at home. I continue to suffer from a fever and cough, but I’m following doctor’s orders, including the admonition to stay away from the hospital unless it becomes difficult to breathe. I know many Georgians are praying hard as we weather this crisis together, and frankly, I’d ask that they pray for me, as well as all the others in our state who are going through this right now — and those who soon will.”
Beach notified his colleagues of his test results on Wednesday, and Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health Dr. Kathleen Toomey recommended that the entire Senate isolate themselves to stop the spread of the illness. Those who recently visited the state Capitol were also advised to consider self-quarantining as well.
“Senate members and Senate employees have been asked to self-quarantine for fourteen days,” the Senate said in a statement. “While not a part of the official recommendation to self-quarantine, members of the public who frequent the Capitol should use their best judgment when making a decision to self-quarantine and should contact their primary care provider if they begin to exhibit any symptoms.”
As of Thursday morning, Georgia had 197 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp announced this week that he would be postponing the state’s primary elections because of the outbreak.
