AZ Legislature Closes After Republican Lawmakers Exposed To Virus

ARIZONA — The coronavirus has shut down the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives for the week.

The move comes days after at least 15 Republican lawmakers met with Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's attorney, who has since been hospitalized with the coronavirus. Trump announced the former New York City mayor's diagnosis in a tweet Sunday.

"Out of an abundance of caution for recent cases and concerns relating to COVID-19, the House building will be closed for one week, starting Monday, December 7," the state Legislature announced. "No one will have permission to work or meet in the building. All members and staff should perform all work and schedule meetings remotely."

Lawmakers spent over 10 hours maskless with Giuliani at a downtown Phoenix hotel on Nov. 30 to discuss baseless allegations of fraud in Arizona's election. Several others met with him the following day at the Arizona State Capitol.

Those on the panel included Rep. Mark Finchem, the leader of the unofficial meeting, along with Rep. Bret Roberts, Rep. David Cook, Rep. Leo Biasiucci, Sen. Sylvia Allen, Sen. David Gowan, Sen. Sonny Borrelli, Sen.-elect Kelly Townsend and Sen.-elect Nancy Barto.

Also spotted in attendance were Rep. Anthony Kern, Sen. David Farnsworth, Rep.-elect Quang Nguyen, Rep.-elect Judy Burges, Rep.-elect Brenda Barton and Sen.-elect Wendy Rogers, as well as potentially others.

The next day, Giuliani visited the state Capitol and met with several additional lawmakers, including Gowan, Borrelli, Senate President Karen Fann, Senate Majority Leader Rick Gray, House Speaker Rusty Bowers, House Majority Leader Warren Petersen, Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Sen. Vince Leach.

Many of those lawmakers took part in the legislative body's new member orientation last week, exposing Democrats as well.

Rep. Jennifer Longdon (D-Phoenix) tweeted that Republicans' decision to hold the meeting with Giuliani was "irresponsible," while Rep. Reginald Bolding (D-Phoenix) who serves as House Minority Whip, tweeted that it was "very problematic."

It is unclear when or where Giuliani contracted the virus. He has traveled across the U.S. in recent weeks to take on states' election results, visiting Michigan and Georgia after leaving Arizona.

Arizona reported another 5,376 positive cases on Sunday and 25 deaths as the pandemic continues to hit the state.