February 23rd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said Tuesday that a number of state senators and their staff have tested positive for COVID-19.  WBAL reports that at the start of Tuesday morning's session, Ferguson said there is an undetermined number of positive rapid tests. Nine of 47 senators were off the floor at the start of the session, though it is not clear how many of those nine had texted positive.

As a precaution, those who tested positive are being given the more accurate PCR test, since rapid tests can return false positives. Ferguson said contact tracing is also being conducted and said the results will determine whether the Senate has to suspend proceedings.

Last week, Ferguson said he expected the Senate to have a full 90-day term.