Democrat Senator Michael Bennett Won’t Self-Quarantine After Possible Contact With Person Infected With Coronavirus

Sen. Micheal Bennett (D-CO) reportedly will not self-quarantine after coming into contact with someone who later tested positive for the coronavirus, which originated in China.

“Two other Coloradans in Congress, Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Jason Crow, self-quarantined Tuesday after being told by Tri-County Health that they had met with a coronavirus-positive constituent,” The Denver Post reported. “Bennet was also told of a possible exposure by Tri-County, a public health agency that serves Denver’s eastern suburbs.”

The Post noted that Bennett plans to remain in the Senate this week as a massive stimulus bill is being debated to help pull the country through the crisis.

Bennets spokeswoman Courtney Gidner said, “He appreciates Tri-County’s notification and recommendation. Michael has consulted with the attending physician of the U.S. Congress, who said that self-quarantining was not necessary and advised him to monitor his health, isolate in his home and office, and continue to practice social distancing and other protective measures.”

Numerous U.S. elected officials have self-quarantined over possible exposure to the coronavirus, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO), and Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA).

The self-quarantines come as the world is facing a pandemic with the coronavirus as hundreds of thousands of people have been infected and thousands have died.

The Trump administration is urging Americans to follow a guidance plan over the next 15 days to prevent the spread of the virus. The guidance plan states:

• Listen and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.
• If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.
• If your children are sick, keep them at home. Do not send them to school. Contact your medical provider.
• If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Do not go to work. Do not go to school. Contact your medical provider.
• If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
• If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition that can put you at increased risk (for example, a condition that impairs your lung or heart function or weakens your immune system), stay home and away from other people.
• Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. It is critical that you do your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
• Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.
• If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security, such as health care service and pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to protect your health at work.
• Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
• Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts — use drive-thru, pick-up or delivery options.
• Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.
• Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
• Practice good hygiene.
• Wash your hands, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
• Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.