After missing last week’s special session of the state Legislature, state Rep. Mike Carter has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga with COVID-19.

Carter, an Ooltewah Republican, reportedly was asymptomatic before he started suffering from the illness and was admitted to the hospital.

He said Monday on Twitter: “Feeling a little better this morning but expect ups and owns during recovery. Best wishes to the wonderful staff here at Erlanger and for all the prayers and well wishes.”

Carter texted back and forth with fellow lawmakers Monday morning, Aug. 17.

The former General Sessions Court judge was one of several lawmakers who did not attend the second extraordinary special session of the 111th General Assembly.

State Rep. Glen Casada, former speaker of the House, reportedly missed the three-day session because he had been exposed to COVID-19 and was advised to stay away from the Legislature.

House Minority Leader Karen Camper; state Rep. Jim Coley, a Bartlett Republican who is leaving the Legislature at the end of this term; and 92-year-old state Rep. Barbara Cooper, a Memphis Democrat, did not attend. State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, a Memphis Democrat, missed part of the proceedings to attend previously scheduled appointments.

At least 11 people working in the Legislature have tested positive for COVID-19. State Rep. Kent Calfee of Kingston said he contracted the illness in July, but he attended last week’s special session.

More legislators wore masks during the most recent two-and-a-half day gathering than did during more than two weeks of meetings held in June.