A staff member of the Kansas Legislature has tested positive for the coronavirus and is now self-quarantining at home.
Tom Day, the director of Legislative Administrative Services, sent an email late Tuesday to leading lawmakers explaining the situation.
The staffer has been working from home since last week after officials were notified that both of the individual’s parents had tested positive for the virus.
The person, who was not identified, has not had any contact with a lawmaker for at least three weeks, the email said.
Any staff member who’s been in contact with the person during the last couple of weeks is being asked to work from home and notify officials if they develop any symptoms of the virus.
“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of all legislative staff and legislators,” Day said in the email.
Disclosure of the COVID case at the Capitol comes about a day after Gov. Laura Kelly announced plans for a statewide executive order requiring masks to be worn in public spaces.
“We were just made aware of the positive test and wish the person a full and speedy recovery,” said Laura McCabe, spokeswoman for Senate President Susan Wagle.
“Thankfully,” she said, “we are fully aware of how hard administrators and cleaning staff have worked to keep the Capitol clean and safe.”
