NC Sen. Thom Tillis Tests Positive For COVID-19

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis has tested positive for COVID-19, the lawmaker announced Friday evening. Tillis is the second GOP senator to test positive for the virus following an outbreak at the White House.

Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump announced he and first lady Melania Trump both tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The president and his family were tested after White House adviser Hope Hicks was shown to be positive for the coronavirus just hours after traveling with the president. Friday evening, Trump was transported to Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland for treatment.

"Over the last few months, I've been routinely tested for COVID-19, including testing negative last Saturday, but tonight my rapid antigen test came back positive," Tillis said in a statement. I will be following the recommendations of my doctor and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and notifying those I've been in close contact with," he said.

Tillis, who is running for reelection against Democrat Cal Cunningham, said he was not experiencing symptoms and that he felt well.

"I encourage all North Carolinians to follow the recommendations of medical experts, including wearing a mask, washing hands, and practicing social distancing," he said.

Tillis and Cunningham participated in a debate earlier this week. Cunningham said Friday night he would get tested, and wished Tillis a quick recovery.