BREAKING: Rand Paul becomes first US senator with coronavirus

"Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19," tweeted Paul from his account. "He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person."

"He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time... Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul."

Senator Paul has become the third Congress member to test positive for the virus, along with Mario Diaz-Balart (R) and Ben McAdams (D).

In 2019, Paul had part of his lung removed after a violent attack from his neighbour.

"Unfortunately, I will have to limit my August activities. Part of my lung damaged by the 2017 assault had to be removed by surgery this weekend," Paul wrote. "The doctors, nurses, & staff at Vanderbilt University Medical Center were great. I should be able to return to the Senate in September."

Paul was attacked in 2017 by his neighbour who left him with six broken ribs and a bruised lung.

His Neighbour, Rene Boucher, pleaded guilty to the attack. He was sentenced to 30 days along with a year of supervised release.