Arkansas state Sen. Jason Rapert has tested positive for COVID-19 and been hospitalized.
Rapert has also been diagnosed with pneumonia. However, he said in a statement that he is responding to ongoing treatment and hopes to recover soon.
“This is a difficult time for my family, but we know that God is with us always,” Rapert said. “We’re sincerely grateful for the many prayers of love and support that have been expressed on our behalf.”
In a statement, Rapert emphasized the seriousness of the coronavirus and said he had been working to abide by social distancing and mask guidelines.
“We have all been doing our best to wear a mask, social distance and be careful like everyone else. This virus is serious and can attack anyone regardless of age or general health.
“I look forward to a full recovery because my caregivers and the medical staff have been taking very good care of me,” he said.
As of Thursday, July 23, there have been 35,246 cumulative cases in Arkansas with 6,876 active cases and 380 deaths, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
In Faulkner County, where Rapert resides, there has been a total of 970 cases with 178 active positive cases.
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