Pa. House of Reps Cancels Session After GOP Member Tests Positive for COVID-19
By Dan Stamm and Mark Scolforo • Published 6 hours ago • Updated 4 hours ago
The House Republican Caucus announced the cancelation after Republican Rep. Paul Schemel tested positive Thursday morning. In a statement, Schemel said he is self-isolating and has mild symptoms. “After experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19 yesterday, I took a COVID-19 test today and was informed of a positive result this morning," Schemel, who represents the 90th Legislative District in Franklin County, said in a statement Thursday.
The lawmaker was last present at the Capitol on Tuesday, the House GOP and Schemel said. “As soon as I received a positive test result on Thursday, I informed the appropriate House offices," Schemel said. "I am following the advice of medical professionals and the protocols of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to ensure the safety of my family, staff, and fellow members.”
“The member is working with human resources to determine all interactions with other members and staff to track any possible exposures under Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines” the House GOP said in its statement. “Those who may have been exposed are being contacted.” The House chamber, offices and other areas are cleaned and sanitized nightly, noted the House GOP.
Although state House employees are all required to wear masks in the Capitol, that does not apply to the representatives themselves. Schemel's press release did not say if he had been wearing a mask while inside the Capitol's public spaces.
https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/coronavirus/pennsylvania-coronavirus-harrisburg-capitol/2550019/
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