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ST. PAUL — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, on Wednesday, May 11, announced that she'd tested positive for COVID-19.
Hortman in a tweet on Wednesday morning said she'd tested positive after experiencing symptoms that she likened to more serious seasonal allergies.
"Out of an abundance of caution, I took a COVID test that came back positive," Hortman wrote. "I'm fully vaccinated, boosted, and feeling fine. I will continue to participate in end of session negotiations remotely."
The announcement comes as the Legislature enters the final stretch of the legislative session. Hortman was also involved in closed negotiations with the governor and other legislative leaders on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
While the Legislature instituted COVID-19 mitigation efforts like masking and distancing requirements after prior waves of the illness, many have been relaxed in recent weeks. Masks are not currently required in either chamber but are recommended, per CDC guidelines.
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A spokesman for the House Democratic-Farmer-Labor Caucus said the masking recommendation would remain the same following Hortman's positive test.
Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, was involved in private negotiations with Hortman and others earlier in the week and had not experienced symptoms, a Senate GOP spokeswoman said. Miller planned to follow CDC guidance and quarantine if he developed symptoms.
Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter @bydanaferguson , call 651-290-0707 or email dferguson@forumcomm.com.
