Congressman Salud Carbajal, who represents the 24th District in California including Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, announced he tested positive for coronavirus.
Carbajal said on his website Monday that he initially tested negative and his second test was a positive for the coronavirus.
He is quarantining in Washington, D.C.
According to media reports including the Santa Barbara Independent which reported that Carbajal was exposed to Sen. Mike Lee, who tested positive for the virus after attending the White House Rose Garden event for Supreme Court nominee judge Amy Coney Barrett.
A Southern California megachurch pastor, who recently visited the White House, also tested positive for COVID-19. Several people who attended the Sept. 26 event at the White House have tested positive. The ceremony was held outdoors but there was also a reception indoors. Images show few people were wearing masks. President Donald Trump left Walter Reed hospital Monday after three days to go back to the White House.
In a statement on his official website, Carbajal wrote "“After discovering I was exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, I took an initial COVID-19 test which came back negative. Following the negative result, I was instructed to quarantine for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms.
“After I began to experience mild symptoms, I was instructed to take another test today by the Attending Physician, which resulted in a positive. I will continue to monitor symptoms and carry out my duties virtually. The vast majority of my staff has been working remotely and are not at risk. Staff members who I did interact with have been tested and are negative, or are pursuing a test. I hope this serves a reminder of how easily this virus can spread. I followed every precaution, including wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand-washing and unfortunately was still exposed. It is incumbent on every single one of us to take careful precautions in order to protect the health and safety of those around us. Thank you for the well wishes, I look forward to returning to the Central Coast soon as I am able.”
