Positive COVID-19 test for worker at House meeting place

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - A worker at the Springfield convention center where the Illinois House convened for a special session last week has tested positive for COVID-19, the office of Speaker Michael Madigan revealed Wednesday.

The speaker’s chief of staff, Jessica Basham, in an email to lawmakers and staff noted it appears the individual had no interaction with any member or other staff person.

According to Basham, the person who tested positive worked an eight-hour shift on May 21, and was not in the space that was used for the makeshift House floor or a public viewing area. She added she is unaware of anyone else who was in Springfield for the session testing positive.

The General Assembly held a four-day pandemic-driven session, which was adjourned early Sunday. The House met at the Bank of Springfield Center, which allowed for lawmakers to sit at tables spaced 6 feet apart, rather than their Capitol chamber.

Lawmakers and staff were tested before the session. People entering the center underwent to temperature checks and were asked to wear masks.

Basham is urging those who were in attendance to be tested for the virus and self-isolate from others for 14 days .