Former Senate President John Alario, 76, announced on Saturday that he has been hospitalized with the coronavirus.

According to the Advocate, Alario said in a phone call that he said he was feeling better after being hospitalized Thursday and is hopeful of being released in a couple of days.

“I’m grateful for the medical personnel on the front lines,” Alario told the Advocate.

“I encourage everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing,” Alario said.

Alario represented Westwego in the state House and Senate for 48 years. Alario served the longest in the Legislature.