26 Legislators Test Positive For Coronavirus From Outbreak In Mississippi Capitol

Mississippi health officials said Thursday 36 people who work at the state Capitol, including more than two dozen lawmakers, have tested positive for coronavirus in the last week. State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said the outbreak is likely linked to a decision by many lawmakers and employees not to wear a mask inside the building during the last legislative session.

As of Thursday, Mississippi had 33,562 confirmed cases, and 1,188 reported deaths from coronavirus.

Dobbs said around 290 people working within the Capitol have been tested since the outbreak began and 26 lawmakers tested positive. Among the infected lawmakers were Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, both Republicans.

State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr., a Democrat, also tested positive and said on Facebook he was wearing a mask “95% of the time” he was in public or in the Capitol, but the “5%” he didn’t wear it made the difference.

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves told a press conference Wednesday anyone who came into contact with one of the 26 infected legislators should get tested immediately.

“The situation that we have feared is upon us,” Reeves said. “Please protect yourself. Please protect your loved ones. Please wear masks. Please try to stay home as much as possible.”

Reeves stopped short of making face masks mandatory or shutting down businesses, making it clear he wished for the state to push forward with reopening and get back to “2019 normal.” However, he said he was willing to take action if people continued to ignore health guidelines.

“Seeing others break the rules and put their friends’ lives at risk is not an excuse for you to do the same,” Reeves said. “We are all tired of this. I know I am tired of this.”

“We are all ready for this to be over.”