Rep. Morgan Griffith
Shawn Nowlin shawn.nowlin@ourvalley.org
Congressman Morgan Griffith, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Virginia’s Ninth District, has tested positive for COVID-19. Griffith learned of the positive result on Tuesday, just five days after he participated in a press conference on Capitol Hill with House Freedom Caucus members to advocate for reopening schools in the fall.
“Upon developing possible symptoms, he took the test over the weekend and has since been self-isolating,” said Communications Director Kevin Baird. “Although he does not currently have significant symptoms, he will continue to self-isolate as he performs his duties on behalf of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.”
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Griffith and his family moved to Salem when he was an infant. After graduating from Andrew Lewis Middle School in 1976, Griffith attended Emory and Henry College, earning a degree in 1980. He completed his education with a J.D. from the Washington & Lee University School of Law.
After defeating Democrat Howard Packet in 1993, Griffith was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.
While speaking on COVID-19 in May, Griffith said, “A supply of plasma is essential for this treatment, so if you have had the coronavirus, have been fully recovered for at least two weeks and are otherwise eligible to donate blood, consider a plasma donation. The American Red Cross permits convalescent plasma donations every 28 days.”
He added, “Many of these treatments are under development in laboratories with teams of scientists and researchers working together, but doctors on the front lines of the pandemic, confronted for the first time with COVID-19, have also contributed through their attempts to treat patients.
Seven other members of Congress have also tested positive for the coronavirus: Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah), Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).
