A fifth Georgia state senator has revealed that he tested positive for the novel coronavirus a week after being urged to go into self-quarantine.
State Sen. Lester Jackson, a Savannah Democrat, said he learned Wednesday that he was positive for coronavirus.
In a statement, Jackson said he and his wife took the test last Friday after learning of his possible exposure to the disease. His wife’s test was negative, he said.
State Sen. Brandon Beach, an Alpharetta Republican, was the first state lawmaker to test positive for coronavirus, revealing his diagnosis last Wednesday. All state lawmakers were urged to self quarantine.
Jackson said he had no symptoms at the time of his test, but developed a mild cough three days later.
Three other lawmakers also shared that they have tested positive for coronavirus: state Sens. Bruce Thompson, a Republican from White, Kay Kirkpatrick, a Marietta Republican, and Nikema Williams, an Atlanta Democrat.
State Rep. Angelika Kausche, a Johns Creek Democrat, revealed Tuesday that a doctor told her to presume she has contracted coronavirus after her husband received a positive diagnosis and she exhibited similar symptoms. She has not taken a test.
A Georgia House spokesman said he was not aware of any members who had tested positive.
Lawmakers suspended the legislative session earlier this month to try to slow the spread of the disease.
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