While sheltering in a secure location as a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone who was infected with the coronavirus, Congress’s Office of the Attending Physician said on Sunday.
In an email sent to lawmakers, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, said that while “the time in this room was several hours for some and briefer for others,” during that period, “individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.” He told lawmakers to obtain a P.C.R.
test as a precaution and continue taking preventive steps against the spread of the virus.
Congress has long struggled to stem the spread of the virus within its ranks, with mixed guidance and a delayed testing regimen.
Dozens of lawmakers, staff members and reporters took shelter in the secure room on Wednesday, but a handful of Republicans refused to wear masks, one person there said, even as Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat of Delaware, tried to pass out masks.
Persons:
Trump, Brian P, Monahan, briefer, Lisa Blunt Rochester
Organizations:
Capitol, Congress’s
Locations:
Congress, Delaware