Mississippi Lawmakers Chose Not To Wear Masks, Now 26 Have COVID-19

The State Health Department of Mississippi has confirmed 36 cases that are linked to an outbreak at the State Capitol in Jackson, according to State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs.

26 of those cases belonged to lawmakers, among others, Republicans Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Philip Gunn both tested positive for the virus after legislators ignored recommendations to wear masks while inside the Capitol.

Representative Ronnie Crudup, Jr. also tested positive for the virus and released the following statement on his social media.

“I wasn’t going to say anything publicly, but after a night of rest, I decided to open up and let people know. I tested positive for the coronavirus. I was tested on Monday at the Capitol like many others and received the news last night. I haven’t had many symptoms, and I’m doing fine. I’m just isolated in my room for the next two weeks. My wife and children are getting tested tomorrow. They seem fine also, but we need to take the proper precautions. I can honestly say that I wore my mask 95% of the time when I was around the Capitol and public places, but that 5% can make a big difference. The mask that I normally wore was a type of sponge mask. It was a nice looking mask, but probably not the safest. I’m sharing all of this to hopefully educate and put a familiar face with the issue at hand. I immediately texted my Doctor Justin Turner last night when I received the news. He told me that I was going to be fine and what I needed to do in the meantime. His office even called me this morning just to follow up if I need anything else,” he said.

”Thank you to the family and friends who called and checked on me over the last few days. I feels good to know that you have people who care about you and support you. So my charge is this. Please wear the proper face masks, wash your hands, and social distance. Do it for your loved ones and your community. Hopefully, my story can help someone else. Stay safe and be blessed,” he added. Representatives Earle Banks, Bo Brown, and Kenneth Walker also confirmed they tested positive for COVID-19.

According to US News, State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs says the Mississippi Department of Health is monitoring the situation and approximately 290 people have been tested. Governor Tate Reeves urged residents who may have come in contact with the legislators to get tested during a Wednesday press conference.

Although there are pending budget issues to resolve, the Governor believes it is far too dangerous to return for at minimum the next 14 days.

Dobbs announced that the state has 674 new cases and 30 deaths. The Johns Hopkins University reports the state has more than 32,880 cases of the virus, with 1,188 deaths. Reeves says the situation is “trending worse, not better.”