Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma)

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Posted: March 19, 2020

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) speaks at a rally for the Violence Against Women Act at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2019. Photo by Indianz.Com (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and one of four tribal citizens in the U.S. House of Representatives, is placing himself on coronavirus self-quarantine until March 27, 2020. His decision comes after being in “extended contact” with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida), who was the first member of Congress to report testing positive for COVID-19, and after holding a virtual town hall on Wednesday evening in which he discussed the federal government’s response to the pandemic. He also participated in a COVID-19 tribal leader virtual town hall on Tuesday evening.

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Cole Statement on Self-Quarantine

March 19, 2020

Moore, OK – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced his decision to self-quarantine until March 27 in response to news that a Republican Member of Congress tested positive for COVID-19.

“On Wednesday evening, I was informed by the Attending Physician of Congress that my friend Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has tested positive for COVID-19. While I have no symptoms and feel fine, I was around him for an extended period last week. Out of an abundance of caution, I am following the doctor’s instructions to self-quarantine until March 27.

“During this time, I remain fully engaged in the U.S. response to this coronavirus, and operations in my offices continue. As Congress considers the next steps for legislation to help the American people during this crisis, I encourage all Oklahomans and Americans to do their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. For the health and safety of us all, continue taking seriously the precautions outlined by the President’s Coronavirus Task Force and the guidance of our local and state leaders and health authorities. Remain vigilant in washing your hands, disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, cover your mouth when you cough, stay home and away from others when you’re sick and avoid groups of more than 10 people. We can and will get through this together.”

Cole’s staff is operating entirely by telework. All calls are forwarded to (405) 329-6500. Emails sent on Cole’s website are still monitored and returned (cole.house.gov/contact/email). In addition, Cole will continue to provide updates on Facebook (facebook.com/TomColeOK04), on Twitter (twitter.com/TomColeOK04) and through his e-newsletter (cole.house.gov/contact/newsletter).

Out of an abundance of caution, I am following the doctor’s instructions to self-quarantine until March 27. During this time, I remain fully engaged in the U.S. response to COVID-19, and operations in my offices continue.

Full statement ↓ pic.twitter.com/N4KE1arxUl

— Rep. Tom Cole (@TomColeOK04) March 19, 2020