Congressmen Now Required to Wear Face Masks While on House Floor

The U.S. is reporting the highest number of COVID-19 cases globally with almost 4.5 million infected and over 150,000 Americans killed. Republican Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas who doubted the effectiveness of masks and initially refused to wear one, has now tested positive for COVID-19. The 66-year-old confirmed the news yesterday, adding that he has worn a mask “more in the last week or two than in the whole last four months”. He went so far as to suggest the mask caused him to catch the virus since he believes it made him touch his face more. Gohmert is now at least the 10th lawmaker to test positive. The news prompted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to enforce a new requirement for house staff and members. They must wear masks at all times when on the floor now. Pelosi said, “The Chair expects all members and staff to adhere to this requirement as a sign of respect for the health safety and well being of others.”