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Published 13:42 IST, November 13th 2020

US Rep. Don Young, 87, tests positive for COVID-19

U.S. Rep. Don Young announced Thursday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after the 87-year-old won his 25th term in the U.S. House.

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U.S. Rep. Don Young announced Thursday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after the 87-year-old won his 25th term in the U.S. House.

Young, the longest-ever Republican to serve in the House, made the announcement on Twitter.

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“I am feeling strong, following proper protocols, working from home in Alaska and ask for privacy at this time,” Young wrote in a tweet. “May God Bless Alaska.”

A message sent to his spokesman wasn’t immediately returned.

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“My friend and colleague Congressman Don Young is a fighter. I’m glad to hear he’s doing well and will be praying for his health and recovery, along with all those impacted by #COVID19,” Alaska’s senior U.S. senator, Lisa Murkowski, said in a tweet.

The diagnosis came after Young initially downplayed the seriousness of the virus at the onset, claiming it was overblown and fueled by the media. Last March, Young spoke to a group of senior citizens, referring to the coronavirus as the “beer virus.”

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Young’s positive test came after he was campaigning for re-election in Alaska, which is experiencing a surge of cases.

Alaska has had over 20,000 cases, including 477 new cases reported Thursday. There have been 96 deaths.

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13:42 IST, November 13th 2020