Hospitalized Idaho Senator released after COVID-19 diagnosis

Sen. Van Burtenshaw was released from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls Thursday, after being hospitalized on Tuesday and listed in fair condition due to complications related to COVID-19.

Burtenshaw’s wife said he’s feeling much better and plans to return next week, probably the middle of the week when he’s cleared.

The Idaho Press reports two Idaho senators currently are out with COVID-19; Sen. Steve Bair, the co-chair of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, tested positive for the virus on Monday.

One Senate attaché and three House staffers have also tested positive since the legislative session started on Jan. 11, bringing the total reported cases at the Statehouse for the session thus far to six.

Both Burtenshaw and Bair have appointed former lawmakers from their districts to fill in for them this week.

Written and posted by the Idaho Press