Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced a mandatory mask policy on Wednesday that requires all members and staff to wear face coverings in the chamber.
"Members and staff will be required to wear masks in the halls of the House," Pelosi said during remarks on the House floor, adding that lawmakers can temporarily take off their masks when speaking.
The California Democrat also said she has the authority to direct the House sergeant-at-arms to tell members to leave if they fail to adhere to the requirement.
The announcement came hours after Congressman Louie Gohmert, a Texas Republican, tested positive for coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Gohmert, who has frequently refused to wear a mask, was scheduled to fly to Midland, Texas with U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday morning but tested positive in a pre-screen at the White House.
