January 13th – U.S. Representative Brad Schneider of Illinois announced on January 12 local time that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Schneider is the third congressman to be infected with the novel coronavirus since the riots in the U.S. Congress.
According to NBC, Schneider announced on the morning of the 12th that he had been tested for the novel coronavirus on the 11th on the advice of his attending doctor in the House of Representatives, but had not yet developed any symptoms.
In a statement, he said: “There are several Republican lawmakers in the asylum room who firmly refuse to wear masks.
After we helped out of courtesy among our colleagues, they still resolutely refused. Schneider also said that he is now implementing strict quarantine measures, while worrying about himself and believing that he is putting his wife’s health at risk. He was angry with MPs who opposed the coronavirus screenings, accusing them of being selfish and arrogant.
When a large number of protesters rushed into the U.S. Congress on the 6th, many members were locked in a safe room to “take refuge”. Several Republican lawmakers refused to wear masks.
Videos previously leaked showed several Republican lawmakers refusing to wear masks voluntarily handed over by Democrats. Congressional doctors have warned lawmakers and congressional staff that they may have come into contact with people with COVID-19 while sheltering from the riots.
A day later, lawmakers announced that they had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Among the members who have declared coronavirus infection are Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat from New Jersey, and Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington State.
Jayapal issued a statement earlier on the 12th saying that she had been in quarantine since the riots in Congress and learned on the evening of the 11th that she had tested positive for COVID-19.
“There are too many Republicans who refuse to take the virus seriously and do so will endanger everyone around them,” Jayapal said. She also believes that members of parliament who refuse to wear masks in the Capitol should be fined.
Earlier on the 11th, Coleman announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19. “I’ve been tested for COVID-19 and tested positive and am now at home,” she said in the statement.
I feel well in spirits despite mild cold symptoms and will continue to work for our constituents.”
