CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced he has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, Tillis said he had been routinely tested for the virus and had tested negative last Saturday, but added that his rapid antigen test came back positive.
While he says he is asymptomatic, he is following his doctor's recommendations and will self-isolate at home for 10 days.
On Tuesday Tillis' office sent a statement saying "Every campaign staff member that was in close proximity to Senator Tillis last week has tested negative for COVID-19 as of Monday. No staff members are showing any symptoms, but we will keep our Charlotte campaign headquarters closed for the remainder of the week out of an abundance of caution."
On Sunday, Tillis gave an update and says he is continuing to self-isolate at home says he is feeling better.
On Saturday, Tillis says he had mild symptoms but says Sunday that his symptoms have significantly improved and the only lingering symptom is the loss of his sense of taste and smell. Tillis says he and his wife are grateful for the prayers and well wishes they've received from North Carolinians.
Tillis' full statement can be found below:
"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. 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. Thankfully, I have no symptoms and I feel well. As we all know, COVID-19 is a very contagious and deadly virus, especially because many carriers are asymptomatic. I encourage all North Carolinians to follow the recommendations of medical experts, including wearing a mask, washing hands, and practicing social distancing. For any North Carolinian who believes they were exposed to the virus or starts to display symptoms, please call your doctor, self-isolate, and get tested to protect those around you."
The news comes as President Donald Trump headed to Walter Reed Hospital for treatment after he announced early Friday morning he and First Lady Melania Trump had contracted the virus.
