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WILKES-BARRE &mdash; U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser has returned to a safe schedule after a dealing with a positive COVID-19 test.
				Meuser said he self quarantined for 14 days and was under the care and advice of doctors.
				He returned to work just in time to attend President Donald Trump&rsquo;s visit to Latrobe on Thursday.
				Meuser was photographed at the Trump event not wearing a protective mask.
				&ldquo;I have been an advocate for appropriate use of PPE before the state made any such recommendations,&rdquo; said Meuser, R-Dallas. &ldquo;In order to open businesses and schools safely, PPE use is necessary. Having recovered from corona, I will continue to follow such health and safety practices. Even though outdoors, wearing of masks is recommended if cannot adequately social distance, particularly for extended period of time &mdash; such safety practices will help us keep our schools and economy healthy.&rdquo;
				Meuser announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 a day after Trump was in Old Forge for a campaign stop.
				Meuser released this statement at the time:
				&ldquo;As your member of Congress, I wanted to inform you that, very unfortunately, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have been following all CDC health and safety guidelines, and will be taking all necessary actions, including postponing upcoming public events and working from home in quarantine until I receive a negative test result.&rdquo;
				Meuser, the representative of Pennsylvania&rsquo;s 9th District in the House of Representatives, has been on the campaign trail in support of Trump.
				Supports PPP
				As Congress considers another COVID-19 relief package, Meuser is advocating for the inclusion of HR 7894, the Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Enhancement Act. He co-sponsored this bipartisan bill with John Curtis, R-Utah, Susan Wild, D-Pennsylvania, Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Jeff Van Drew, R-New Jersey.
				&ldquo;The Paycheck Protection Program was a targeted response to unprecedented economic uncertainty,&rdquo; Meuser said. &ldquo;The program worked as it was intended &mdash; the average loan size was approximately $100,000, demonstrating its efficacy at helping small businesses across America weather the challenges brought on by COVID. In my district in Pennsylvania, nearly 8,000 forgivable PPP loans have been distributed, saving nearly 80,000 jobs.&rdquo;
				Meuser said the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) helped deliver essential aid to temporarily support millions of struggling businesses across the country, making more than 173,000 loans totaling more than $20.7 billion in assistance to Pennsylvania businesses, before closing on Aug. 8.
				The Paycheck Protection Program Small Business Enhancement Act would:
				&#8226; Allow a second PPP loan for businesses that have experienced a reduction in gross receipts of more than 20% as compared to last year.
				&#8226; Include 501(c)(6) nonprofits and franchised businesses that were left out of the first round of PPP to receive loans for the first time.
				&#8226; Allow businesses to spend PPP funds on protective equipment and testing expenses.
				&#8226; Clarify that businesses can deduct expenses paid with a forgiven PPP loan from taxes, consistent with congressional intent in creating PPP.
				&#8226; Ensure that lenders, especially smaller community banks, continue to participate in PPP by easing the burden PPP places on them.
				&#8226; Extend the PPP application deadline through 12/31/20.
				Spirit of Enterprise Award
				Meuser recently was awarded the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during a virtual presentation hosted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.
				The award recognizes Meuser&rsquo;s continued support of pro-growth policies in the first session of the 116th Congress:
				&ldquo;Since coming to Congress, I have worked to ensure that businesses across the nation can thrive, create jobs and spur economic growth,&rdquo; said Rep. Meuser. &ldquo;The coronavirus pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for employers and employees who have suffered from a crisis they had no part in creating. Chambers across the 9th District have played an important role in advocating for the safe reopening of our economy to protect lives and livelihoods.&rdquo;

Meuser back at work after COVID quarantine