NEW BOSTON, Texas - State Rep. Gary VanDeaver has tested positive for COVID-19 and is quarantined at his home, forcing him to postpone a pair of virtual meetings with constituents.
In a news release, VanDeaver's office said he tested positive last week and has been "running fever and coping with other symptoms." As of Wednesday morning he no longer had a fever, a spokesperson said.
Two "Listening Tour" events originally scheduled for this week, one for VanDeaver to talk with students and the other open to the broader community, have been rescheduled for next week.
"I hate to have to reschedule these Listening Tours, but I want to make sure that I am well so that I can be fully engaged in these important conversations with my constituents," he stated in the release.
The events were already slated to be conducted virtually, via the Zoom online meeting application, before VanDeaver's diagnosis.
The community Listening Tour is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday. District residents are welcome to participate but must register first. To register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R8NFNqeyR3OfoT3NJuS7nw and enter your name and email address.
VanDeaver's district office in the Bowie County Courthouse will be closed this week and next week. Any of his constituents who needs assistance is asked to contact his Texas Capitol office at 512-463-0692.
VanDeaver represents Texas House District 1, which includes Bowie, Franklin, Lamar and Red River counties. He was first elected to the House in 2014 and is running unopposed for re-election this year.