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Third House Republican reveals positive COVID-19 test result since October 15

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Illinois

Illinois State Representative Tim Butler, (R) Springfield, has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a tweet, Rep. Butler said he was experiencing symptoms, got tested at Walgreens, and got his results in 30 minutes.

Butler said this is his third COVID-19 rapid test this year and he is now quarantining in the basement of his home.

* Peoria Journal Star…

State Rep. Tim Butler isn’t sure how he contracted COVID-19, but he knows what to do now.

It entails remaining in quarantine for at least 10 days. Of course, that span matches almost perfectly the time until election day Nov. 3.

“It’s difficult as a politician, going into the last 10 days before the election, to say, ‘Hey, you’ve got to stay home,’” Butler said. “That kind of stinks.” […]

“It is what it is,” said Butler, who also said he spent the previous week in Springfield. “Obviously it’s a very contagious virus. I’ve taken it seriously from the beginning.

“I’ve tried to wear a mask and social distance when at all possible, but obviously all of us don’t take all the protections we do 24 hours a day, and we get a little lax. So who knows how I got it.”

* WUIS…

Butler, who represents the northern part of Springfield up through Tazewell County, is the fifth state legislator who has publicly disclosed a COVID-19 diagnosis since the Spring. Others include Reps. Edward Gonzalez Jr. (D-Chicago), Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake), David Welter (R-Morris) and Dave Severin (R-Benton). Illinois Congressmen Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) — who represents part of Springfield — and Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) also tested positive.

House Republican members Welter, Severin and Butler announced their diagnoses within a little more than a week of each other.

Welter announced his positive test on October 15.

* Meanwhile…

Local health officials said Sunday that the region that includes Sangamon County is “strikingly close” to additional mitigations for bars and restaurants as it combats another wave of COVID-19. […]

“I’ve practiced infectious diseases for 40 years,” added Dr. Donald Graham, a clinical professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Disease at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. “I’ve seen a number of epidemics, both in Springfield, Sangamon County and the state of Illinois and throughout the country and I can tell you this is the worst I’ve ever seen.”

Miller warned that other regions of Illinois have had to recently implement additional mitigation measures, including a ban on indoor service at bars and restaurants.

* And down the road a bit…

Posted by Taylorville City Clerk's Office on Monday, October 26, 2020

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 11:12 am

Comments

It is work noting that the Taylorville Cornhole Tournament permitted by the mayor was just about three weeks ago, and right about now is when you would expect to see significant growth from that event.

As of the latest report, Christian County was seeing 178 new cases per 100,000.

The IDPH goal is 50.

Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 1:03 pm
“It is what it is,” said Butler as in an echo chamber.

“…but obviously all of us don’t take all the protections…”

Speak for yourself, pal…Many people have and continue to take every known precaution…in order to avoid the spread of COVID 19…further.

Comment by Dotnonymous Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 3:09 pm
“It is what it is” is gonna be on a lot of tombstones across the nation.

Comment by VerySmallRocks Monday, Oct 26, 20 @ 7:14 pm