FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – A Kentucky lawmaker who heads a key education committee revealed Monday night that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
In a Twitter post, Republican state Sen. Max Wise said he began experiencing “very mild symptoms” last Thursday and was tested the next day. Both tests came back positive, he said.
Since then, he has “felt fine” and is no longer experiencing any symptoms, he said.
“I am thankful that I am one of the lucky ones who has not had to deal with the hardships that others have faced upon being diagnosed,” Wise said in the statement. “Like the health care community recommends, I will be self-quarantining until I am released by my local health department and staying away from others in the confines of my home.”
The Campbellsville lawmaker is chairman of the Senate Education Committee. He has been a state senator since 2015.
Prior to Thursday, he felt fine and had taken his temperature daily before coming into contact with anyone or traveling to Frankfort, Wise said. His temperature was always within the normal range, he said. He said his wife has taken two COVID-19 tests and both came back negative.
During his quarantine, he will handle communications online and participate in committee meetings remotely, Wise said. He said he contacted Senate leadership, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Legislative Research Commission to let them know of his situation.
“After my quarantine, I will be right back to work for the commonwealth,” he wrote. “But until then, I’m sure my wife has a list of chores for me to do around the house and away from the family.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some – especially older adults and people with existing health problems – it can cause more severe illness and be fatal.
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