At least 33 people who work in the Alaska Capitol have tested positive for Covid-19, including seven positive cases on Wednesday and four on Thursday.
The chief of staff to House Speaker Louise Stutes said that the cases were in members and legislative staff from both the House and Senate. Only those who are still in isolation are considered active mass, said Matt Gruening in a note to House members and staff. Five of those who are now quarantining are legislators.
Last weekend, numerous staffers were out on the town in Juneau, and many partied at the annual Sham Jam fundraiser at the Red Dog Saloon. After that, several tested positive for Covid. The House has not held a session this week because at least three Republicans won’t wear face masks, as ordered by the House Speaker. The budget is being held up by a combination of too many legislators from the Democrat-led Majority needing to stay in isolation, and some Republicans refusing the mask order.
