House and Senate leadership announced they’d be canceling in-person legislative activity this week after state Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, tested positive for COVID-19.
No voting or committee hearings will take place this week in either chamber. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, is encouraging all members of the Senate Republican caucus to get tested.
“The Senate will cancel committees and session for this week, August 3-7, to allow adequate time for execution of protocols and receipt of results for individuals who choose to be tested,” he said in a statement. “We all wish Senator Barrett a speedy recovery.”
House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, said the House Business Office will remain available for any members or staff seeking resources for local testing options.
“The House has taken aggressive and comprehensive action to protect members and staff from COVID-19,” he said. “Our new procedures will remain in place to continue to protect representatives and staff.”
Barrett tested positive for COVID-19 after a routine medical screening required through his military service, according to a press release issued Sunday evening.
Barrett, who is a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the Michigan Army National Guard, underwent a test on Friday, July 31, which was required one week prior to leaving for a military training event.
No “significant symptoms” are showing at this time, he said in the release, noting he will be self-isolating.
“I have done my best to make contact with those I have been around in the past couple weeks so that they may also seek medical advice,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to resuming my normal work schedule as quickly as possible.”
Barrett was in attendance at two legislative committee hearings in Lansing on Thursday, July 29.
Barrett is the first Republican state legislator with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, and Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit, also tested positive in April. State Rep. Isaac Robinson, D-Detroit, died on March 29. He was not tested for COVID-19 before his death, but multiple reports have linked his health issues to the coronavirus.
Barrett has publicly criticized Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her push for “unilateral” emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic. He sponsored Senate Bill 858, which would have amended Michigan’s Emergency Management Act of 1976, laying out deadlines for when some of Whitmer’s executive orders would end. Whitmer vetoed it on May 5.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
For more data on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.
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