Congressman Neal Dunn tests positive for coronavirus

Congressman Neal Dunn, whose constituency includes most Columbia County residents, has tested positive for covid-19. 

Rep. Dunn, a Republican based in Panama City, felt unwell Monday evening and went to the emergency room later that night out of an “abundance of caution,” according to a statement sent out by his office Thursday. 

After meeting the criteria set forth by the Centers for Disease Control, Dunn was tested for the virus and received notice that the results came back positive, the statement reads. 

Dunn quarantined himself at home per CDC guidelines, but was “feeling great” as of Thursday, according to the statement. 

The 67-year-old congressman and surgeon is working on the next round of the federal government’s response to the pandemic, dubbed Phase IV, the statement reads. 

He expects a full recovery soon, according to the statement, which reminds members of the public to stay home unless they are an essential employee or need essential items from stores or pharmacies.

“Congressman Dunn emphasizes that we must continue to do what we can to target vulnerable places and populations to slow the spread of this disease,” the statement reads. “He is keenly interested in new and faster testing to help everyone understand their risks. While America continues to suffer from some sad areas of ‘hot spots,’ our current actions are mitigating the worst of this disease and America will rebound in the near future.”