PHOENIX — A sixth member of the Arizona Legislature has confirmed he tested positive for covid-19.
Rep. Andrés Cano, a Democrat, announced on social media Wednesday that he is not symptomatic and is in isolation.
“Covid-19 cases are spiking throughout our Nation, and nobody is immune — even when precautions are taken,” said Cano, who was reelected earlier this month. “We are in this together and we can protect each other. I urge my fellow Arizonans to take care of their loved ones by avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask at all times.”
Last week, Democratic Rep. Arlando Teller of Chinle announced he also tested positive and was isolating. The most serious case involved Rep. Lorenzo Sierra, who spent several days on a ventilator after becoming ill in October. He has now recovered.
Rep. Raquel Teran also became ill in October, while Sen. Lupe Contreras and Rep. JoAnne Osborne revealed their infections earlier in the year. Sierra, Contreras and Teran are Democrats and Osborne is a Republican.
More than 190 state lawmakers nationwide have tested positive for the disease and four have died, according to a tally by the Associated Press.
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, including pneumonia, and death.
