A GOP state lawmaker in Maine who downplayed the effects of the pandemic and opposed the state’s COVID restrictions, has contracted the virus and is “really, really sick.”
Republican Rep. Chris Johansen admitted to having the virus in a phone call recorded by a reporter from Mainer.
“Listen up. I’ve got COVID and I’m really, really sick,” Johansen said in the recording.
Johansen’s wife Cindy said on social media that she had also tested positive for the virus.
The lawmaker has been very vocal in his opposition of the state’s lockdown measures put in place to limit the spread of the virus.
According to News Center Maine, Johansen helped organize several rallies urging Gov. Janet Mills (D) to ‘reopen’ the state during the pandemic, including one outside the governor’s home.
He was also one of seven lawmakers caught on video trying to enter the State House without wearing masks in January, and was among the group of lawmakers who confronted Capitol Police in May when they entered the State House without wearing masks.
Both Johansen and his wife have also reportedly shared several posts on social downplaying COVID-19 and mocking vaccines.
Maine is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases due to the more transmissible delta variant and health officials said this new variant is surging among unvaccinated people across the country.
