Rep. Jayapal Blames Insurrection Lockdown After Testing Positive For COVID-19

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Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., is calling for any member of Congress who refuses to wear a face mask to be fined and removed from the floor of their chamber.

Graeme Jennings/AFP via Getty Images

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Graeme Jennings/AFP via Getty Images

The Coronavirus Crisis
Congress And COVID-19: Members’ Cases And Quarantines

Jayapal, D-Wash., is at least the second member of Congress to announce a positive test after the lockdown, along with Rep. Bonnie Coleman, D-N.J. They join more than 50 lawmakers and 220 workers in Congress who have either tested positive, or are presumed to have been infected with the coronavirus.

Both Jayapal and Coleman are self-isolating but continuing to work. Coleman, who had taken the first of the required two doses of the coronavirus vaccine, says she is «experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.

Jayapal is pushing for people in Congress to show greater care in following safety guidelines, and for anyone who ignores mask requirements to be punished — including senators and representatives.

«Any Member who refuses to wear a mask should be fully held accountable for endangering our lives because of their selfish idiocy, she said via Twitter. «I’m calling for every single Member who refuses to wear a mask in the Capitol to be fined and removed from the floor by the Sergeant at Arms.