SC legislator wants 14-day quarantine after Wednesday session amid coronavirus crisis
As state legislators are scheduled return to the State House on Wednesday, one representative is calling for 14-day quarantine for lawmakers to ensure they won’t spread the coronavirus.
The state’s 170 state lawmakers are being called into session on Wednesday to take up a continuing resolution on the state’s spending, as well as a “sine die” resolution that will determine what legislation can be discussed when legislators return to in the future.
State Rep. Justin Bamberg, D-Bamberg, wants lawmakers to be quarantined for 14 days after they return home from Wednesday’s legislative session.
“It does us no good to make efforts to protect our citizens while at the same time returning home and possibly exposing them to COVID-19 should any member present on Wednesday be asymptomatic of the virus,” Bamberg wrote in a letter to House Speaker Jay Lucas.
The speaker’s office did not comment on Bamberg’s request.
When announcing the one-day session, Lucas said the State House chamber would be thoroughly cleaned prior to the session and additional chairs would be brought in to allow members to spread out and properly socially distance. Members also will be allowed to sit in the balcony, which is generally reserved for audience members.
After consulting with health officials, Lucas opted to have session this week because exposure to the coronavirus might increase later in the year.
“Each expert’s answer to me has been that if the House must convene, the safest course of action is to meet as soon as possible since the risk from COVID-19 is likely to rise significantly over the course of the next 45-60 days across our state,” Lucas wrote to House members.”
Lucas also asked members to let him know if they are vulnerable to the virus or feel unwell so they can be excused for the day.
The state Senate also is scheduled to meet Wednesday and there are already some Democratic members planning to not attend.
Gov. Henry McMaster during his Monday news conference urged General Assembly members to come to the State House on Wednesday and “take care of this vital business.”
State Sen. Mia McLeod, D-Richland, said she won’t attend Wedneday’s session because of health reasons, according to the Associated Press. State Sen. Marlon Kimpson, D-Charleston, has also announced he would be absent.
“I will remain active doing the work on behalf of the people from home as I have done since the beginning of the epidemic,” Kimpson said on Twitter. “I renew call for Gov. McMaster to implement a stay in place order for the state.”
Senate Democrats have also suggested working in small groups via video conference calls or holding small meetings with select members in large rooms to allow for the appropriate social distancing.
“Our caucus believes we should spend that time ensuring South Carolina’s government is doing what it must to conquer the COVID-19 crisis, and making wise decisions in appropriating funds to keep the state government working,” the SC Senate Democratic caucus said in a statement last week. “The General Assembly should then gather after the peak of the crisis, as advised by experts, to finish our business while taking all appropriate precautions.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 4:23 PM.
