CHARLESTON, SC (WCIV) — Rep. Joe Cunningham, Congressman for South Carolina's 1st District, has announced he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Cunningham announced the positive test on Friday afternoon, March 27, adding that he is remaining under self-quarantine.

The first-term Democratic congressman from Mount Pleasant has been in self-imposed isolation since March 17, after learning he'd been contact with a fellow member who also has been confirmed to have the virus.

After he developed symptoms this week of the infection, Cunningham says his doctor urged him to be tested.

Cunningham said he got himself screened through MUSC's Telehealth portal, then tested. His results came back Friday showing he was positive for the virus.

"While my symptoms have begun to improve, I will remain at home until I know it is safe to leave self-quarantine," said Cunningham.

Cunningham is the fourth member of Congress so far to test positive for the virus. Others include Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) and Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Florida).

CNN reported Friday prior to Cunningham's announcement at least 36 other members of Congress have announced steps to self-quarantine because they're feeling ill or because they'd been in direct contact with someone infected or likely infected.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) also was in self-quarantine for a time, but announced last week he had tested negative for the virus.