One Pennsylvania state lawmaker is self-quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19.
Republican Representative Paul Schemel tested positive for COVID-19 Thursday morning, which caused today's House session to be cancelled.
Schemel posted the following statement on social media Thursday:
"After experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19 yesterday, I took a COVID-19 test today and was informed of a positive result this morning. Though I was in the Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 29, I was experiencing no symptoms. I was not in the Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 30, when I began experiencing symptoms. Upon experiencing symptoms on Wednesday, I began to self-quarantine.
"As soon as I received a positive test result on Thursday, I informed the appropriate House offices. I am following the advice of medical professionals and the protocols of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to ensure the safety of my family, staff, and fellow members."
Schemel is the second lawmaker in the House to test positive. In May, Republican Representative Andrew Lewis of Dauphin County tested positive. At the time, he didn't announce his positive results right away, sparking backlash from Democrats.
