Masks up: Mississippi lawmakers return amid coronavirus outbreak

Rep. Dana McLean, R-Columbus, takes advantage of a brief recess at the Legislature to use some eyedrops while staying face masked and maintaining some social distance from row mate Rep. Jill Ford, R-Madison, Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. The legislators were in Jackson to finish the final parts of a state spending plan for the budget year that began July 1, and to override a number of passed legislation vetoes by Gov. Tate Reeves. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Rep. Dana McLean, R-Columbus, takes advantage of a brief recess at the Legislature to use some eyedrops while staying face masked and maintaining some social distance from row mate Rep. Jill Ford, R-Madison, Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, at the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. The legislators were in Jackson to finish the final parts of a state spending plan for the budget year that began July 1, and to override a number of passed legislation vetoes by Gov. Tate Reeves. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

By LEAH WILLINGHAM and EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS / The Associated Press August 11, 2020 2 min read

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Most Mississippi legislators wore masks and practiced social distancing Monday as they returned to the state Capitol for the first time since the start of the largest coronavirus outbreak in any statehouse in the U.S.

“Please separate yourselves. I know it’s tempting to congregate and talk,” Republican Speaker Philip Gunn told members of the House.

The state health officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, said Monday that 49 Mississippi legislators have tested positive for the virus – more than 25% of them. Legislative leaders say most cases have come from the House.

Dobbs said at least four legislators have been hospitalized, with three requiring intensive care.

At least 12 other people who work in the Capitol have tested positive, and one of them has died, Dobbs said.