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

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

Young, longest-ever Republican to serve in House, me anuncement on Twitter.

“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 mess sent to his spokesman wasn’t immediately returned.

“My friend and colleague Congressman Don Young is a fighter. I’m gl 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.

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

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

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