Greek-American Congressman Gus Bilirakis Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Greek-American Congressman Gus Bilirakis, a Republican who represents Palm Harbor, Florida in the US Congress, has tested positive for coronavirus, his office announced Wednesday.

Bilirakis is now in quarantine and was not on the House floor on Wednesday as Congress debated certification of the presidential election won by Vice President Joe Biden.

I tested positive for COVID-19 this morning, and as such, will not be on the House Floor for today’s debate. In accordance with CDC guidelines and upon the advice of the House Physician, I am in quarantine.

— Gus Bilirakis (@RepGusBilirakis) January 6, 2021

He watched the storming of the Capitol building in Washington D.C. from home and issued a statement calling for calm and an end to the demonstration.

“My staff has been told to shelter in place for their safety, and I am watching the scene at the Capitol unfold.

“While I support the Constitutionally-protected right for peaceful protest, some of the images I am seeing on the news do not constitute a peaceful demonstration.”

He added:

“These unruly behaviors are completely unacceptable and place law enforcement and countless individuals in harm’s way.”

These unruly behaviors are completely unacceptable and place law enforcement and countless individuals in harm’s way. (2/2)

— Gus Bilirakis (@RepGusBilirakis) January 6, 2021

A second-generation Greek-American, Bilirakis was first elected to Congress in 2007, representing the people of Florida’s Twelfth Congressional District.

He was re-elected in November 2020.

A practicing lawyer, Bilirakis has made a name for himself as being a particularly active member of Congress, serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee and as Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

In addition, the Floridian is also active in the Hellenic Caucus promoting the interests of Greece and Cyprus in Congress.