Two Democratic lawmakers have announced they have tested positive for COVID-19 after taking refuge with members of Congress without masks during last week’s siege of the U.S. Capitol.
Leading the news: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) announced early Tuesday that she had been “locked in a secured room in the Capitol, where several Republicans not only cruelly refused to wear a mask, but recklessly mocked colleagues and the staff who offered them.”
- Hours earlier, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (DN.J.) has tweeted that he decided do a coronavirus test after last week’s events, “including the shelter with several colleagues who refused to wear masks.”
- “He believes he was exposed during the protective isolation in the U.S. Capitol building as a result of insurgent riots,” his office said in a statement from the 75-year-old cancer survivor.
Why it’s important: According to a statement from Jayapal, they were in a “crowded room” during a pandemic, “creating a superextension event on top of a national terrorist attack.”
- The attending physician at the U.S. Capitol warned lawmakers may have been exposed to someone infected with the coronavirus while hiding from a pro-Trump crowd.
- Many members of Congress are in age groups and other categories that put them at increased risk of dying or suffering from serious coronavirus-associated diseases.
For the record: Watson said he is at home resting. “Although I experience mild, cold-like symptoms, I am still in a good mood and will continue to work on behalf of my components.” he tweeted.
- Jayapal said he is isolated, but will continue to work and “will not rest until he does everything in my power to remove this president from office,” blaming President Trump for the U.S. Capitol insurgency.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new details everywhere.