St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Michigan Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) recently informed constituents that while she had yet to show any symptoms, she had received a positive test result for COVID-19.

The positive test came during a routine medical checkup, according to MiSenateGOP. LaSata said her first reaction was disbelief.

“I had not experienced any symptoms prior to receiving a test administered during a routine, scheduled medical checkup, and I remain asymptomatic,” LaSata told MiSenateGOP. “Since I had no knowledge that I was exposed to the virus and experienced no symptoms, I attended Senate session and committee hearings as normal on Thursday [the day the test sample was taken].”

Sen. Kim LaSata | #MiSenateGOP

Once she found out about the diagnosis, LaSata said she began reaching out to anyone she had recent contact with to inform them they should quarantine and get tested.

LaSata said she wanted to make her diagnosis public both to keep her constituents informed and to reinforce the importance of individuals taking precautions. The coronavirus is present in the community, and anyone can be affected.

LaSata also noted that she had taken all prescribed precautions prior receiving her diagnosis, and yet she still contracted the virus.

“Throughout the pandemic, our hospitals and frontline health care workers have asked us all to take personal responsibility by washing our hands frequently, socially distancing and wearing a mask -- even if you don’t think you need one,” LaSata said, according to MiSenateGOP. “I have done my best to adhere to these recommendations.”

LaSata continued to urge community members to take precautions. “When this pandemic began, I sewed masks for my family and we wear them to protect ourselves and those most vulnerable,” LaSata told MiSenateGOP. “Let’s not forget COVID-19 is serious and can be deadly. Keep your guard up. Look out for each other.”