A third Montana lawmaker has tested positive for COVID-19.
Rep. Brian Putnam, a Republican from Kalispell, is the third lawmaker to test positive for the coronavirus since the 2021 legislative session began in January. He has been working at the Capitol in person.
During a Monday press call, a spokesperson for Republican leadership said that a few lawmakers have been identified as close contacts to Putnam, and have been contacted by the Legislature’s contact tracer to begin quarantining. An exact number of close contacts is unknown.
According to Republican leadership, the other two lawmakers who’ve previously tested positive contracted the virus outside of the Capitol.
Adherence to public health guidance, like social-distancing and mask-wearing, varies among lawmakers.
