Local State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, he announced on social media.
Butler said he was quarantining in the basement at his Springfield home and was unsure where he contracted the virus.
In a Facebook video posted Sunday morning, Butler said a 100-degree fever prompted him to get tested, in addition to a headache, body ache, chills and a sore throat.
Butler, who represents the northern part of Springfield up through Tazewell County, is the fifth state legislator who has publicly disclosed a COVID-19 diagnosis since the Spring. Others include Reps. Edward Gonzalez Jr. (D-Chicago), Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake), David Welter (R-Morris) and Dave Severin (R-Benton). Illinois Congressmen Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) — who represents part of Springfield — and Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) also tested positive.
House Republican members Welter, Severin and Butler announced their diagnoses within a little more than a week of each other. Butler noted that his mandated 10-day quarantine would coincide with the final 10 days of the campaign season and he would not be able to do his usual canvassing, but encouraged constituents to vote early as he did.
“Obviously this is a very contagious virus and we all know I’ve taken it seriously from the beginning,” Butler said. “Try to wear a mask and social distance when at all possible when I’m supposed to…so who knows how I got it.”
Copyright 2021 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS. To see more, visit NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS. 9(MDIwMjIxMDA0MDE0Mzk4NDIzNjA0OGQ5Yg001))
