House Speaker Rob Vescovo Archives

The spread of COVID-19 has set in at the Missouri Capitol – one week into the legislative session. A statement from Missouri House Republican leadership says due to the rising number of cases in the building, the lower chamber will not be in session next week.

The Missouri House and Senate convene on January 9, 2019 for a joint session to commemorate the 100th General Assembly (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

House Speaker Rob Vescovo of Arnold, Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann of O’Fallon, and Majority Floor Leader Dean Plocher of St. Louis say the move is out of an abundance of caution to protect members, staff, and visitors.

This week, Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, and Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Lee’s Summit, announced they are quarantining after being exposed to someone carrying the deadly virus.

On Tuesday, Missouri House Democrats offered up a proposal to require all members to wear a mask while on the floor because some members, often Republicans, choose not to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. The plan was voted down.

The House is made up of 114 Republicans and 48 Democrats.

Media reports say members of the Senate Republican Majority Caucus are discussing Friday whether to also take a break.