Sen. Tina Smith Latest Candidate To Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure

From the Minnesota Reformer:

By Ricardo Lopez

October 19, 2020

U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is self isolating after a recent exposure with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, Smith announced on Twitter Sunday night.

“I found out this afternoon that a person present at a campaign event last weekend tested positive for COVID-19,” she said. “The event was outdoors and masks were required, and while I was never in close contact with them, I’m getting tested and I am quarantining until I test negative.”

Smith is the latest political candidate whose campaign has been affected by the coronavirus. Her opponent, former GOP congressman Jason Lewis, has twice now had to be tested after exposures to people who contracted the virus, including President Donald Trump.

The pandemic has upended how candidates interact with voters, forcing campaigns to stage events that follow health guidelines, with varying degrees of adherence.

Republican campaign events encourage participants to socially distance, wear masks and use hand sanitizer, but do not make them requirements. Minnesota Democrats have largely opted for many virtual events or small gatherings that require masks.

The Minnesota Reformer is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to keeping Minnesotans informed and unearthing stories other outlets can’t or won’t tell..