Sixth Montana lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A sixth Montana lawmaker has tested positive for COVID-19 during this year’s legislative session, COVID-19 panel chairman Sen. Jason Ellsworth said Tuesday.

The identity of the lawmaker was not released. The legislator is quarantining away from the capitol, according to a statement by Ellsworth. The statement does not specify when the lawmaker tested positive or when the lawmaker was last inside the Capitol. Contact tracing is ongoing.

More than a month has elapsed since legislative leaders have confirmed a positive test among lawmakers.

COVID-19 testing for legislators and legislative staff is available inside the capitol on a weekly basis.

The Legislature's COVID-19 panel, tasked with addressing coronavirus-related rules during the session, has not met in over two months.