LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A third Arkansas lawmaker said Monday he has tested positive for the coronavirus, days before the Legislature is set to meet for this year’s session.
Rep. Les Warren said in a statement that he was told by his physician Sunday that he had tested positive and was self-isolating at home. Warren said his symptoms were minimal.
Warren is the third lawmaker to test positive since the Legislature met for a marathon special session to approve a $173 million coronavius fund. Lawmakers are set to convene Wednesday for this year’s fiscal session.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The Arkansas House plans to meet in the same 5,600-seat basketball arena it used for the special session. The Senate will meet in the Capitol, but with restrictions on the number of members in its chamber. Warren said he will vote by proxy in this year’s session.
Health officials said the number of coronavirus cases in Arkansas on Monday has risen to at least 854. Arkansas has had 16 deaths.
