McConnell suspends in-person Republican lunches



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Democrats have suspended their in-person lunches in the spring as a precaution due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus cases are increasing across the country – and in Congress. At least 11 senators have tested positive for the virus or antibodies since the start of the pandemic, including at least nine Republicans.

Earlier this month, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, 87, announced he had tested positive for Covid-19. Grassley, as president pro tempore, is the longest-serving Republican in the chamber, placing him in the line of presidential succession. He is the second-oldest member of the Senate and is only a few months younger than Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, who is also 87.
The oldest member of the House, Republican Don Young of Alaska, also 87, tested positive earlier this month. More than 40 members of the House of Representatives have so far tested positive for the virus, along with several incoming members.
Politico first reported that McConnell had suspended rallies.
The total death toll in the United States stands at nearly 266,000 on Saturday evening, and a new wave of public health restrictions have been put in place to try to control the spread of the virus.

Experts fear the virus will spread even further across the country after the Thanksgiving holiday, despite warnings from public health officials not to travel or hold large gatherings.

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