The first confirmed case of coronavirus has surfaced in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Rep. Matthew Gambill, R-Cartersville, has tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesman for House Speaker David Ralston reported Thursday night.
Gambill began self-quarantining the weekend following Friday, March 13, after learning he had been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.
On Monday, March 16, Gambill was tested for the virus and the results came back on Thursday. He did not attend the one-day special session of the General Assembly on Monday, March 16, during which lawmakers ratified the statewide public health emergency Gov. Brian Kemp had declared late the previous week.
Gambill has experienced only mild symptoms and remains in isolation at home.
Before Gambill, five state senators had tested positive for coronavirus: Republicans Brandon Beach of Alpharetta, Kay Kirkpatrick of Marietta and Bruce Thompson of White, and Democrats Nikema Williams of Atlanta and Lester Jackson of Savanah.
In the Georgia House, Rep. Angelika Kausche, D-Johns Creek, told the Johns Creek Herald she has likely contracted coronavirus after her husband tested positive last week. Kausche said she decided to forgo testing since materials needed for the test are in short supply.
