Hunter/AP
02/01/21
Iowa state representative Amy Nielsen announced Sunday that she’s tested positive for coronavirus, and believes she was infected at the Iowa Capitol, where there is no mask mandate.
In a Facebook post Sunday, Neilsen said “I have been safe and healthy since the first case made its way to Iowa last year. I’ve been working at the Capitol for three weeks.” She responded to a friend’s inquiry about how she was feeling, and said that she definitely feels sick, adding, “It’s very weird.”
It’s the first confirmed case among state legislators, but there have been three other positive cases among people associated with the House.
House Speaker Pat Grassley says he cannot force members to wear masks. House rules do require men to wear a tie and jacket when in session and blue jeans are prohibited.