WASHINGTON — Today, news broke that a GOP state representative tested positive for COVID-19. While that member quarantined after he learned the test results, Republican House leadership failed to alert Democrats of their potential exposure while carrying on in-person legislative business and putting members and staff at risk for infection.
Even though Speaker of the House Mike Turzai was alerted to potential exposure in mid-May, Democratic colleagues were only told of their possible exposure today — putting their health and that of their families at risk. In an effort to further downplay the virus that has already claimed 100,000 lives in the United States, GOP representatives were also not wearing masks while conducting legislative business.
Since mid-April, the GOP has been advocating for Governor Wolf to prematurely end social distancing measures.
“The GOP’s lack of concern for the health of their colleagues and their families mirrors their complete and utter disregard for their communities,” said Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Jessica Post. “The GOP has done everything they can to downplay the severity of this virus. While advocating for Pennsylvania to prematurely end public health measures, they were concealing an outbreak within the legislature and refusing to wear masks to protect those around them. The GOP’s response threatens to impede progress made flattening the curve and puts their commonwealth at risk — it’s hypocritical, reckless, and shameful.”
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