Savannah-area State Sen. Lester Jackson has tested positive for the coronavirus, Jackson said Wednesday, March 25.

Jackson was notified of the test results early Wednesday, five days after submitting to the test along with his wife, Lorna. Her test results were negative.

The Jacksons requested tests "out of an abundance of caution" after several other state senators were diagnosed with the coronavirus. Jackson works closely with Sen. Brandon Beach, the first senator to test positive for the virus. Jackson and Beach sit next to each other in Senate Finance Committee meetings.

Jackson has been under self-quarantine since returning to Savannah following a Senate special session on March 16.

"I’ve not been out at all," he said. "I’m staying away from people. I want to protect family and friends."

The only COVID-19 symptom Jackson has displayed at this point is a mild dry cough that he developed Monday. The cough has eased since and could be allergy induced, Jackson said.

Jackson plans to remain isolated until at least April 3, when he will undergo a follow-up coronavirus test.

The virus has a 14-day cycle.

Jackson is the fifth Georgia senator to test positive for the coronavirus. The others are Beach, Sens. Nikema Williams, Kay Kirkpatrick and Bruce Thompson.