Rep. Katie Porter Negative For Coronavirus, Supports CARES Act

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — This week, the 45th district Congresswoman Katie Porter reached out to the public, alerting them that no one is immune from concern related to the spread of new coronavirus.

After experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus, her physician ordered a test over the weekend. The self-described "minivan-driving single mom, law professor, consumer protection attorney and amateur surfer took to her bed, self-isolating. Her children were okay, she said.

Since then, she remained in self-quarantine, awaiting results as to whether she'd contracted coronavirus. We waited, virtually, along with her to learn of her diagnosis.

As of Thursday evening, 256 Orange County residents were infected with the virus. One person died this week as a result of the illness.

On Friday, she announced her negative test results. Still, she is symptomatic, and "needs to recover," so she was unable to report to Washington for a critical vote on the CARES act.

"I support the CARES Act," she wrote over twitter. The relief package would bring critical resources to help families, small businesses at home in Orange County. Porter plans to bring more information to all about the bill, and how she and her colleagues on the hill will work to address the pandemic.

Now, she has something that many in Washington D.C. do not. She has experienced the fear and concern of wondering whether or not she was infected with coronavirus.

"California families' top priority right now should be staying safe and healthy," Porter wrote. "I applaud Gov. Newsom for securing a commitment from financial institutions that they'll work with consumers to provide necessary relief."

And rest assured, she will make sure that it all happens, as promised.

Porter has committed to total transparency with her district, which includes the cities of Irvine, Tustin, Villa Park, Laguna Hills, Lake forest, and Rancho Santa Margarita along with portions of Anaheim, Orange, Laguna Woods, Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel.

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How are you coping with the shut down in your town? Let your Patch Editor know by emailing: ashley.ludwig@patch.com.

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