MIAMI, FL — South Florida Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart has become the first member of Congress to test positive for the new coronavirus.

“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus,” Diaz-Balart said in a statement Wednesday night.

“We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times,” he said.

The congressman entered self-quarantine Friday after participating in various legislative votes in Washington, D.C.

A total of 289 Florida residents had tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday and another 25 people from outside the state tested positive in Florida, according to state health officials.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also tested positive for the virus after meeting with Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro during his recent visit to Florida.

Bolsonaro’s press secretary, Fabio Wajngarten, tested positive for the new coronavirus after accompanying his president on the Florida visit, which included a stop at President Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort. The U.S. president’s test came back negative.

It was not immediately clear how Diaz-Balart was exposed to the highly contagious virus.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez self-quarantined themselves after meeting Bolsonaro.

Diaz-Balart chose not to return to Florida because his wife, Tia, has a pre-,existing condition that puts her at “exceptionally high risk,” according to the statement.

“On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache,” the statement continued. “Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19.”

The statement said Diaz-Balart is continuing to work at his Washington, D.C. apartment.

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