Ohio Lawmakers Hospitalized With COVID-19

Two members of Ohio House were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday evening, the latest state lawmakers to acknowledge they have contracted the virus. 

In addition to being COVID-19 positive, both lawmakers have pneumonia. Rep. John Patterson (D-Jefferson) he has pneumonia in both lungs, but said he considers himself lucky because he sought treatment early.

Rep. John Rogers (D- Mentor-on-the-Lake) was hospitalized Sunday with low blood oxygen levels but said he is breathing easier now.

Both Democrats attended a House Finance Committee Meeting earlier this month with Republican Rep. Steve Hambley. In an interview, Hambley told reporters he tested positive twice for coronavirus in November. Two other representatives who attended that same meeting, Republican Reps. Rick Carfagna and Gary Sherer, have also tested positive in recent days.

Visitors and staff at the Ohio Statehouse are required to wear masks while in the building. Most Democrats wear masks, as do some Republicans do.

But many Republicans in the Ohio House and Senate do not and say they are not required to do so. Legislative efforts to require masks for all members have been unsuccessful.

Ohio House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) released a statement saying: "Join us in sending prayers and well wishes to Reps. Patterson and Rogers. We remain hopeful that everyone continues to take the necessary precautions to prevent spreading COVID to friends, family and co-workers.”

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