Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reported on Wednesday, all Representative House members and staff are to wear masks.
What We Know:
- The order comes into place after Louie Gohmert, Texas Republican Representative who declined several times to wear a mask, tested positive result for Covid-19. Gohmert wondered if he had worn a mask in the last ten days, would he still have the Covid-19.
- Pelosi stated, “Members and staff will be required to wear masks at all times in the hall of the House”. Lawmakers can temporarily remove their masks when speaking. House members and staff would not be allowed entry if they do not wear a mask.
- The House sergeant-at-arms released an extra set of regulations, needing face masks in all House office buildings, starting at 8 a.m.Thursday.
- While masks are being mandated, some exclusions include when people are eating or drinking, offering a speech, or interview given with anyone in the 6ft area.
- “The chair is expecting all members and staff to follow all requirements as an indication of respect to the health, safety, and the well-being of others attending the chamber,” Pelosi said. She also stated a lawmaker not wearing a mask would be considered a “serious breach of decorum”.
- House members have been demanded to self-quarantine due to Gohmert’s positive Covid-19 test result.
- The indicated would not be the first positive case in the House. Senator Rand Paul, Republican Representative Mario Diaz, and Ben McAdams had positive results during Spring.
Although there we regulations on wearing a proper face mask, it was not mandated until now. A statement on Wednesday said, “Anyone not wearing a face cover will be asked to put on a face cover or leave” the House Building. This stipulation will be carried out until a resolution is determined that such demand is no longer required.
