The Idaho legislature voted Friday to close until early April after a coronavirus outbreak among six members of the state House.
The recession, which runs through April 6, comes after five Republicans and a Democrat in the lower chamber tested positive for the virus. Several GOP lawmakers in both chambers refused to wear masks during personal sessions, according to The Associated Press.
The recess will delay debates on key issues, including drafting the state budget.
“We can not help but be disappointed at how bad things have become at the Capitol, when we could stop it from always becoming a hotspot,” said Ilana Rubel, minority leader of the Democratic House, and the minority leader of Democratic Senate Michelle Stennett said in a joint statement.
“We are sorry that it took so many people to act. We must do better when we return, otherwise we will find ourselves in this position.”
According to the AP, several House and Senate staff members also contracted the virus.
The Idaho legislature’s actions have recently focused on limiting the governor’s ability to impose coronavirus – related restrictions in the state. According to the wire service, the House is drafting a bill that would prevent the governor from issuing a mask mandate.