LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – House Speaker Matthew Shepherd said Thursday state Rep. Vivian Flowers has tested positive for the coronavirus.Flowers is the second lawmaker to test positive for the virus, following state Rep. Reginald Murdock on Wednesday.
The announcement comes a week after lawmakers met for a marathon special session to approve a $173 million coronavirus fund. The House met at a 5,600-seat basketball arena instead of the Capitol due to coronavirus concerns.
The state’s health secretary and surgeon general told lawmakers in a letter Thursday that transmission was unlikely due to the social distancing measures taken during the session. They advised members to monitor their temperature and request testing if any symptoms develop. The Health Department will be reaching out to anyone thought to have had close contact with the lawmakers.
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