PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Another South Dakota state lawmaker has tested positive for the coronavirus after attending Gov. Kristi Noem’s budget address last week and visiting the governor’s mansion.
Sen. Reynold Nesiba says he was tested for COVID-19 on Friday and got the positive results Saturday. The 54-year-old Sioux Falls Democrat says he has experienced minor coronavirus symptoms, KSFY-TV reported.
Nesiba said he suspected he contracted the virus while attending a committee meeting last Monday or during the budget address on the House floor Tuesday. He said he always wore a mask in the Capitol expect when he was in his office.
Sen. Helene Duhamel, a Republican from Rapid City, became ill and tested positive for COVID-19 last week. She too attended the budget address and event at the governor’s mansion. The 58-year Rapid City Republican posed with Noem and other lawmakers at the Capitol and none wore masks.
The Legislature is scheduled to convene on Jan. 12. Several lawmakers have reported bouts with the coronavirus, including Rep. Bob Glanzer, who was among the first in the state to die from the virus in April.
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