Republican Senator Thom Tillis confirmed on Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Tillis said in a statement, "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."
He said he would be self-isolating at home for ten days and notifying others he may have been in close contact with so they can be tested as well. So far, Tillis reports having no symptoms.
"I encourage all North Carolinians to follow the recommendations of medical experts, including wearing a mask, washing hands, and practicing social distancing," Tillis added.
In a close race for re-election, Tillis has generally supported mask-wearing. He was among the small minority of attendees at a President Donald Trump rally in Winston-Salem seen wearing a mask on Sept. 8.
Tillis' opponent in the Senate race, Democrat Cal Cunningham, said on Twitter that he would get tested himself after the two men shared a stage Thursday for their third Senate debate. The two men were photographed greeting each other by bumping elbows at the outset of the event.
I'm wishing @SenThomTillis a quick recovery following his positive COVID-19 test, and am thinking of him and his family.
— Cal Cunningham (@CalforNC) October 3, 2020
Because I was with Senator Tillis recently on the debate stage, I will also get tested.
Tillis’ campaign manager Luke Blanchat also issued a statement confirming they notified Cunningham’s campaign and Spectrum News of Tillis’ positive results. His campaign staffers who may have been in close contact with the Senator will quarantine and receive tests in the coming days.
“Our Charlotte campaign headquarters is now closed and we are halting all in-person campaign events until further notice. Additionally, we are reaching out to any individuals who may have come into contact with Senator Tillis during the campaign events we held this week,” said Blanchat.
