Two Mississippi lawmakers test positive for COVID-19

At least two Mississippi lawmakers have tested positive for COVID-19.

One state representative and one state senator have returned home after receiving positive results for the virus, The Clarion Ledger reports. Neither legislator has been identified; however, those who may have had contact with the representative have been sent home “just as a precaution,” said House spokeswoman Barrett Climer.

Notification from the state Senate was sent in an email from Leah Smith, deputy chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann. Before the session began, Hosemann suggested it be postponed because of the record numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state.

During last summer’s surge of COVID-19 cases, dozens of lawmakers contracted the virus, including the lieutenant governor and House Speaker Philip Gunn. At least two legislators were hospitalized.

The Mississippi State Health Department is urging residents to avoid any large gatherings, especially those held indoors with people not of immediate family.