(DES MOINES, Iowa) -- A number of Democratic Iowa lawmakers are speaking out in anger after being informed of a COVID-19 case at the state capitol.

Two Democratic Senators - Sarah Trone Garriott of Polk and Dallas counties and Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids - stated on Twitter that lawmakers were emailed about a person being in the capitol Wednesday who then tested positive on Friday.

The Republican controlled legislature has no mask requirement for anyone who enters the capitol, and there's no mandate to self-report cases.

Lawmakers and the public are encouraged to social distance while inside the capitol building, and visitors are given temperature checks when entering the premises.

The positive COVID-19 case was reported just days after this year's legislative session began on Monday.

During that first day, hundreds of anti-mask protesters demonstrated in the Capitol rotunda.

The group known as Informed Choice Iowa stood shoulder-to-shoulder with few, if any members, wearing masks. The group opposes most health measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Kim Reynolds issued an order last fall that requires all people ages 2 and older to wear a face covering when in an indoor public space if they will be within 6 feet of each other.

Bill Cunningham

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