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Three fully vaccinated members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus have tested positive for COVID-19, the delegation said on Saturday.
One of the members received a positive result on Friday and informed the caucus. Members and staff underwent rapid tests and all were negative.
On Saturday morning, two more members tested positive in a rapid test, the caucus said.
One of the members, State Representative Celia Israel, released a statement on Saturday evening saying:
“Fortunately, I am doing well and hope to overcome the infection quickly and with mild symptoms. I am currently in quarantine until my test is negative. I urge anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. to help stop the spread. ”she said, thanking her colleagues for their wishes and support. “Most importantly, I hope this example highlights the sacrifices we are prepared to make for the cause of democracy. I would not change anything to protect the right to vote.”
NBC 5’s Katy Blakey spoke with State Representative Julie Johnson (D-Carrollton) who is in Washington with the Texas Democratic Caucus.
“It’s unfortunate that this has happened, but it only highlights the risk and why everyone needs to be vaccinated. Their cases are very mild because of it, but we need to continue to make sure everyone is. vaccinated, this virus is still there, it’s very present and anyone can get it, but that doesn’t stop us. We’re working really hard here to achieve the goals that we came here for, “Johnson said.
Representative Johnson has tested negative for COVID-19 and his group will continue to meet with lawmakers although some meetings have been moved to Zoom.
President Chris Turner (D-Grand Prairie) said the caucus follows all guidelines and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It’s a sober reminder that COVID is always with us, and while vaccinations offer tremendous protection, we still need to take the necessary precautions,” Turner said. “We are in contact with public health experts in Texas to provide further advice. Our caucus will follow all recommendations from public health experts as we continue our work.”
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The caucus did not release any additional information about members who tested positive and demanded that the privacy and personal health of members be respected.
More than 50 Texas Democrats left the state on Monday for Washington, DC. Their absence leaves the House without a quorum and unable to pass bills in the special legislative session, including sweeping voting legislation.
Opponents of House Bill 3 and Senate Bill 1 claim that the provisions of the bills constitute voter suppression, while supporters argue that it is designed to improve the integrity of elections.
House Speaker Dade Phelan (right) said his team contacted Texas State Department Health Services Commissioner Dr John Hellerstedt for advice on protocols for those at risk to COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine.
“Kim and I extend our prayers for the safety and health of members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Washington, DC,” Phelan said in a written statement.
Phelan demanded that House Democrats return to Austin to continue the special session.
On Saturday evening, a statement from senior adviser and chief spokesperson Symone Sanders was released:
“On Tuesday, July 13, Vice President Harris met with members of the Texas State Legislature who are temporarily in Washington, DC Earlier today, it was brought to our attention that two of the members during this meeting tested positive for COVID-19. Based on the timeline of these positive tests, it was determined that the Vice President and her staff present at the meeting were not at risk of exposure as they were not in close contact with those who were tested positive and therefore do not need to be tested or quarantined. The Vice-President and her staff are fully immunized.“
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