McClinton denounces House Republican leaders for blatantly staying quiet about a lawmaker testing positive for COVID-19

State Rep. Joanna McClinton is joining her Democratic colleagues in calling for answers after House Republican leaders kept secret that one of their members tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. She released the following statement:

“First, I am relieved to hear Representative Andrew Lewis has recovered and that the other House Republicans in self-quarantine appear to be doing well also,” said McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware. “However, the audacity and severity of this entire situation cannot be overstated.

“Deliberate actions were taken to keep this diagnosis a secret from members and staff who work near individuals who were infected – or exposed to – COVID-19. I am appalled that these careless acts have now put the health of our fellow legislators, their staff, their loved ones and anyone else they've come in contact with in jeopardy.

“With all we know about the damaging effects of COVID-19, it is disheartening to know that we have some who would still report to the Capitol, fail to engage in social distancing and face-masking, and make a mockery of a virus that has claimed the lives of over 100,000 Americans.

“I stand with my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus and even some in the House Republican Caucus to demand answers – who knew what and when, and what is going to be done to ensure that members and staff are kept safe and informed moving forward. 

“In the meantime, we need to immediately establish better protocols to protect us all. We need to mandate masks be worn in the House chamber, social distancing be practiced in committee meetings and a transparent process that conforms with the CDC guidelines to ensure this haphazard and dangerous cover up does not happen in the future,” McClinton said.

House Democrats are calling for state Attorney General Josh Shapiro to investigate the matter.

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