Democratic congresswoman says her difficulties getting tested for COVID-19 highlight need for 'coherent' national strategy
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) announced she tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday morning, making her the latest lawmaker to contract the virus.
Hayes, who said she is largely asymptomatic save for "breathing issues which are being monitored," will quarantine for 14 days. In a Twitter thread, the congresswoman explained how difficult it was for her to get a test, perhaps contradicting assumptions about access to testing on Capitol Hill.
Hayes said she had to go to two urgent care centers on Saturday before she finally secured an appointed at a third site for Sunday morning. Her experience, she writes, shows why the U.S. needs to implement a "coherent" and efficient national testing strategy.
My experience and the experience of my staff underscore the need for a nat’l testing strategy with a coherent way to receive speedy, accurate results. This level of anxiety and uncertainty is untenable. I am asymptomatic, except for breathing issues which are being monitored.
— Jahana Hayes (@RepJahanaHayes) September 20, 2020