WASHINGTON (Talk1370.com) -- Three members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus have tested positive for COVID-19 in Washington, D.C., the Caucus confirmed on Saturday.
Nearly all of the House Democrats, along with several state Senators, are in the nation's capital after fleeing the state on Monday in order to break quorum in the House in an effort to stall Republican efforts to pass election integrity legislation during a special session of the Texas Legislature.
Many of the caucus members flew to Washington together on a private jet Monday, and have been staying together in the same hotel.
According to the caucus, one member tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday night. Two other positive tests came back Saturday morning. The three members, who are all fully vaccinated, will all take PCR tests to confirm the rapid test result. One is said to be showing mild symptoms.
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"The House Democratic Caucus is following all CDC guidance and protocols. This is a sober reminder that COVID is still with us, and though vaccinations offer tremendous protection, we still must take necessary precautions," Texas House Democratic Caucus chairman Chris Turner said in a statement. "We are in touch with public health experts in Texas to provide additional guidance. Our caucus will follow all recommendations from public health experts as we continue our work."
On Thursday, Travis County health officials raised the area back to Stage 3 in Austin Public Health's risk-based guidelines due to increasing cases and hospitalizations. Officials also said that four cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant had been confirmed in the county.
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Since arriving in Washington, the Texas Democrats have been meeting with key officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Cory Booker of New Jersey, in an effort to push federal voting rights legislation.
House Speaker Dade Phelan, who has been calling on Democrats to return to the state, issued a statement Saturday afternoon. "Kim and I extend our prayers for safety and health for the members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who tested positive for COVID-19 while in Washington, D.C.," said Phelan. "My staff has reached out to Dr. John Hellerstedt, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and his epidemiology team for any additional guidance on protocols for those exposed to COVID-19 post-vaccination."
The 30-day special session is set to end on August 6.