Beyer Self-Quarantines After Contact With Coronavirus Patient

Rep. Don Beyer announced a self-quarantine after contact with a friend in DC who tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Beyer, a Democrat who represents Virginia's eighth congressional district, said in a press release he and his wife Megan dined with the friend on Feb. 28. The Virginia Department of Health informed the Beyers of the friend's illness, which began shortly after his interaction with them.

Beyer said neither he nor his wife have shown symptoms in the 10 days since the dinner. He said the risk of infection is low, but he is following the request of public health officials to ensure illness does not spread to others.

“Representing Northern Virginians is an honor and privilege which I love, and I especially hate to be away from the Capitol at this time of national crisis," said Beyer in a statement. "But I feel strongly that one of the most important contributions people in positions of leadership can make at such times is to share the best advice from experts, and where necessary, to model it in our behavior."

Beyer's office will be closed for public business, and he will not attend votes or hearings until Monday, March 16. That's the date medical advisers would clear him to return to work.

Beyer is among a handful of representatives in self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. According to CNN, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, Reps. Matt Gaetz, Doug Collins, Paul Gosar and Mark Meadows announced self-quarantines after a person at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland was confirmed to have the new coronavirus. Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley also announced a self-quarantine due to contact with a patient confirmed to have COVID-19.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know