WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after appearing unmasked at a White House event with President Joe Biden.
Drew Hammill, Pelosi’s spokesman, tweeted Thursday that she received positive results for COVID-19. She is now asymptomatic. He stated that she tested positive earlier in this week.
“The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,” Hammill said. Pelosi, he said, will “quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly.”
The White House said Biden and Pelosi had only “brief interactions over the course of the last two days” and that the president was not considered a close contact of the speaker by CDC guidance — sustained unmasked contact within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.
“Last night as a part of his regular testing cadence, the President tested negative,” the White House said in a statement. “He will continue to be tested regularly. The President wishes Speaker Pelosi a speedy recovery.”
The 82-year-old Democratic leader’s announcement came ahead of her weekly press appearance on Capitol Hill, which was abruptly called off. Two-week spring recess will be held in the House.
Pelosi postponed the planned congressional delegation trip she had been scheduled to take to Asia.
Washington is experiencing a surge of COVID-19 new cases, as Washington’s restrictions are lifted. More events and gatherings have been taking place throughout Washington, D.C.
Merrick Garland, Attorney General and Gina Raimondo, Commerce Secretary announced that they had received positive results. These officials were just a few of over a dozen who attended Saturday’s Gridiron Club dinner and tested positive for the disease. According to her spokesperson, Pelosi was not present at the dinner.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also announced Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would “work at home while following isolation protocols.”
Many lawmakers reported positive test results, and they are now isolating.
For the first time in two years, Capitol has been open to tours since being closed down by the Pandemic.
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