* From Senate President Don Harmon’s spokesman John Patterson…

If you visited the state Capitol Complex in the past few days I wanted to make you aware that this evening the Illinois Department of Public Health has notified the Office of the Illinois Senate President of a positive COVID-19 test in the Capitol Complex.

Contact tracing is being conducted by local officials and at this time we believe the affected person had minimal contact with others working at the Capitol Complex.

I have no additional information available at this time.

It was earlier reported that there was a positive COVID-19 test at the BOS Center and a similar notice was sent out.

If you were in the Capitol Complex or the BOS Center (or came in contact with someone who was) between January 9th and January 14th, it is recommended that you self-quarantine and get tested. A full list of testing sites can be found at: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing.

If you experience symptoms or sickness related to COVID-19, contact your health professional.

Additional guidance and information is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19

The Capitol Complex includes several buildings other than the Statehouse, including the Stratton Building.

*** UPDATE *** From the President of the Illinois Statehouse Correspondents’ Association…

Reporters:

I just received the below from Dale Righter, chief of staff to Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie. Note that no members of the press are on the contact list provided by the person who tested positive.

Whitney Barnes, Senate Republican press secretary, said she would reach out individually to a few reporters whom she knows were in the Senate, but there’s no reason to believe any journalists have been exposed.

Please contact Whitney, who is copied on this email, if you have any questions.

Here’s the message from Chief Righter:

John -

Earlier today I was notified of a positive COVID test in the State Capitol.

Immediately thereafter members of the Senate Republican Caucus and Senate Republican Staff were notified. Those who were in the Capitol Complex between Saturday and yesterday were advised to quarantine and follow all appropriate Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Public health was notified.

Shortly following, the individual who tested positive provided a list of names for purposes of contact tracing. Each of these individuals were immediately contacted by phone and advised of this information. No members of the press were on this list.

We will continue to follow whatever guidance is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, as well as continue to update Senate members, staff, and members of the press as we receive further information.

Dale A. Righter
Chief of Staff
Senate Republican Caucus