Ooltewah Rep. Mike Carter returns home after being hospitalized with COVID-19

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (August 26th):

Rep. Mike Carter has returned home after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

The representative from Ooltewah shared the news on Twitter, saying, "I’m back at home and feeling better! Thank you again for your prayers, support, and encouragement!"

Rep. Carter announced on Tuesday that he was "feeling much, much better" after being moved from the ICU. He thanked Erlanger's staff for their work.

Depend on us to update you on Rep. Carter's progress as he continues to recover.

UPDATE (August 25th):

Rep. Carter reported on his Twitter account Tuesday morning that he has now been moved out of the ICU.

Rep. Carter's tweet says "Feeling much, much better today. Moved to a regular room last night. Up and moving around, breathing easily. Hope to be home very soon. Can’t thank the fantastic staff at Erlanger enough. Our community is lucky to have such a first rate hospital. Thanks again for your prayers."

We will continue to update you on Rep. Carter's progress as he continues to recover.

UPDATE (August 24th):

Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks has provided an update on Rep. Mike Carter's condition.

Brooks tells us he's been in close contact with Carter's wife, who told them the Representative is alert and starting to feel better after getting a donation of COVID-19 convalescent plasma.

Mayor Brooks himself was released from the hospital last month, this after receiving treatment for COVID-19. He told us plasma helped save his life, and he's grateful to the person whose donation made it possible.

"If you're a COVID survivor, you are walking around with a life-saving plasma within you," said Brooks, "It could save a life just like mine. I give it full credit for being a part of the treatments that saved my life."

"I owe someone my life," said Brooks.

Depend on us to update you as we learn more.

UPDATE (August 20th):

Representative Carter said on his Facebook page on Tuesday that he continues to improve:

Carter says, "Quick update... I’m continuing to improve gradually thanks to Andrea, Dalton, Lori PA, Dr. Cohen, all the brave staff here at Erlanger and the power of prayer from friends and loved ones across state. Im told to expect good days and bad but I’m feeling better than I did on Sunday. Your encouragement means a lot. Please remember my wife Joan and family in your prayers."

Depend on us to keep you posted.

UPDATE:

Rep. Carter tweeted Monday morning that he is "feeling a little better this morning."

Carter's tweet reads, "Feeling a little better this morning but expect ups and downs during recovery. Sincere thanks to the wonderful staff here at Erlanger and for all the prayers and well wishes."

Depend on us to keep you posted.

PREVIOUSLY:

Tennessee Representative Mike Carter is in intensive care at Erlanger Hospital with COVID-19.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison shared the news will colleagues in an email. We are now working to confirm these details independently.

This comes just weeks after Carter attended the Lincoln Day Dinner in Chattanooga.

The large event faced backlash after photos of many attendees not wearing masks surfaced.

Rep. Carter tweeted a picture of him and now-Senate Candidate Bill Hagerty at the event. Neither were wearing masks.

Days later the Hamilton County Health Department warned of possible COVID exposure at the event.

Right now we're working to learn more about Representative Carter's condition.

This is a developing story. Depend on us to keep you updated.