Many Mississippi lawmakers opted not to wear masks at the Capitol. Now, 26 have COVID-19.
JACKSON, Miss. – Gov. Tate Reeves is warning the public to get tested for coronavirus if they have been in contact with a state lawmaker.
The number of coronavirus cases linked to an outbreak at the Capitol has grown to 36, which includes 26 legislators, according to the state's top health official.
Many politicians flouted recommendations to wear a mask inside the Capitol in recent weeks. Now, about one in six of Mississippi state lawmakers have tested positive for the coronavirus.
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the Mississippi Department of Health is monitoring the situation and that about 290 people were tested at the Capitol this week.
The leaders of both chambers — Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann — have tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, the Enterprise Journal reported that Rep. Sam Mims, R-McComb, had tested positive for coronavirus. Mims chairs the House Public Health Committee.
The Legislature still has some budget issues to resolve, but Reeves said at a press conference Wednesday it would be too dangerous for lawmakers to come back to Jackson within the next two week to "that fishbowl of the Mississippi Capitol."
Follow Giacomo "Jack" Bologna on Twitter: @gbolognaCL.