In a statement released on Friday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell pointed out that throughout America, frontline workers and those associated with other essential sectors are following the advice of health experts and taking newfangled preventative measures as they continue reporting for duty and perform irreplaceable work the United States needs at the moment. The Senate will start reporting for duty from Monday, he said.

In other words, nearly 100 senators, along with their staff members, support workers, official visitors, and others will return to the Capitol building but will be required to follow a new set of health guidelines. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser recently touted members of Congress as essential workers, meaning, Congress doesn't need to follow her stay-at-home order or closure of non-essential businesses.

The Capitol complex will not be accessible to the public until at least May 16. With the Senate returning, a myriad of worries about increased coronavirus infections on Capitol Hill has surfaced. It is worth noting that several workers, staffers, and even members of Congress in this area have either already been infected or quarantined, according to an NPR report.

The attempts to resume Senate business have been spearheaded by McConnell, R-Ky despite objections from some members. The chamber is scheduled to consider several presidential nominations this week, such as a confirmation vote for an agency official on Monday.

Democrats argue that resuming work could jeopardize the safety of people in the Capitol complex and those around it. Moreover, they said the Senate should restrict its legislative focus either to coronavirus aid or its control. The Democratic-led House has refrained from returning this week.

After allocating nearly $3 trillion to aid until now, Republicans and Democrats are parted through disagreement on a new immersion of cash into the highly strained economy. While Democrats suggest state and local governments should be the priority, Republicans are supporting new liability protections for businesses.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. took to her Twitter handle to share her thoughts saying that Senate Republicans should focus on COVID-19 related health and economic crises rather than confirming right-wing judges or saving the big business from their legal liability. McConnell revealed new Senate guidelines from Brian Monahan, who is the attending physician to Congress, advising people to avoid gatherings and wearing masks whenever possible.

The guidelines urge members and others to keep at least 6 feet of distance, avoid unwanted staff and visitors in offices, and take part in health monitoring programs. McConnell advised her colleagues to carefully follow these guidelines as resume in-person work.