U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) is in quarantine after potential exposure to the coronavirus, he announced in a Sunday evening statement.

“A few days ago I was in close contact for several hours with someone who has since tested positive for COVID-19,” the congressman stated. “While I did not have symptoms, upon learning that this person tested positive, I immediately went into quarantine. I subsequently had a rapid test and it came back negative, and I still have no symptoms.”

“Over the weekend, I discussed my situation with the attending physician of the House of Representatives,” Aderholt continued. “He advised me to remain in quarantine and get another test later this coming week. Unfortunately, this also means I will have to miss votes this week, but the safety of my staff and colleagues is far more important, and I could possibly still expose someone. Therefore, I plan to remain here in Alabama in self quarantine, rather than travel to Washington.”

Aderholt is the dean of Alabama’s U.S. House delegation. He is a senior member of the Committee on Appropriations, including serving as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science and as a member of the Agriculture and Rural Development Subcommittee and the Defense Subcommittee.

“This virus continues to impact us all as the numbers spike here and around the world. However, I’m confident that a vaccine will begin to be distributed soon, that Congress can agree on a new COVID-19 relief package, and we can move beyond this trying and unsettling time in our history,” Aderholt concluded.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn