Hosemann, Senate’s presider, is currently symptom-free. According to his office, he has been vaccinated as well as received the booster shot. Hosemann did not have any symptoms but decided to get tested because he was in touch with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19. Hosemann’s office is currently in contact with people who might have been exposed on Tuesday, January 4. Sensations and members of the media were among those who were exposed. Hosemann was seen on Tuesday without a mask speaking in close proximity to several senators. Hosemann was seen speaking in close proximity to several prominent senators on Tuesday. Briggs Hopson (R-Vicksburg), Senate Appropriations Chair, was also positive. He had also been infected with the coronavirus before. On Tuesday, the first day of the scheduled 90-day session, most Capitol employees opted out of wearing masks. The Capitol’s staff and lawmakers are not subject to a mask mandate. Andrew Ketchings, House Clerk, stated that one House employee has the virus. However, she has not been to the Capitol in the past few days since her positive test. There have been no reports of any other positive tests by staffers or members of the House. The coronavirus was first contracted by the 74-year old Republican in the summer 2020, while the Legislature was in session. House Speaker Philip Gunn, along with approximately 50 lawmakers and staffers also tested positive in that period. This was the second outbreak of Capitol COVID-19 since the pandemic started in early 2020. Hosemann has openly discussed the severity of his symptoms after his first coronavirus infection and has been vocal in his call for vaccinations. Hosemann’s office stated that he would be in quarantine for five consecutive days according to the guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.