By now, everyone knows that COVID-19 can spread from person to person. There are ways to help stop the spread. Wash your hands often. Wear cloth masks when you are outside – especially in situations where social distancing isn’t possible. Stay home if you are sick.
Failure to do so causes the virus to spread. To make that clear, I decided to track the rallies, conventions, and other large events that President Trump and/or Vice President Pence attended. Those events provided a vivid example of how COVID-19 spreads.
February 28, 2020: WCBD News 2 tweeted: “Folks have been camped out here for over 24 hours at this point on the parking lot of the North Charleston Collosseum awaiting the Trump Rally.”
The tweet included a wide-angle photo from behind a series of short barracades. Several tents are visible on the parking lot.
February 28, 2020: Digital Reporter for @WCBD Count on 2 Cait Przetak tweeted: “People are continuing to join the crowd at the North Charleston Colosseum as they prepare for President Trump later today. The Rally begins at 7 but doors open a 3 p.m. Some individuals have been here camping out for over 24 hours! @WCBD”.
February 28, 2020: US Editor of The Daily Telegraph Ben Riley Smith tweeted: “Sea of red hats in the queue for Trump’s rally at North Charleston, South Carolina”. The tweet included a photo that shows the backs of people, many of whom are wearing red hats, as they stand in line.
February 28, 2020: North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center tweeted: “All on-site parking lots are full. If you are coming to the Trump rally tonight, use a rideshare service such as @Uber or @lift [yellow emergency sign emoji] #NChasColiseum”.
February 28, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Lindsey Graham thanks Trump, bemoans ‘never-ending bull—-‘ at South Carolina Rally”. It was written by J. Edward Moreno. From the article:
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) on Friday praised President Trump for several accomplishments in his first term while bemoaning “bullshit” faced by the president.
Graham made the remarks while appearing alongside Trump at a rally in his home state of South Carolina on the eve of Saturday’s Democratic primary in his state…
…Grahams remarks came moments after Trump lashed out at Democrats and the news media during the rally, accusing them of pursuing a “new hoax” with their criticism of his administration’s handling of the coronavirus…
February 29, 2020: Heavy posted an article titled: “How Many Attended Trump’s South Carolina Rally? Crowd & Overflow Photos”. It was written by Stephanie Dube Dwilson. From the article:
President Donald Trump visited North Charleston, South Carolina for a Friday night rally on February 28, 2020 – the day before the Democrats’ big primary for the 2020 Presidential nomination. The venue, which seats 13,295, was packed and overflow space was needed for a crowd that had to watch outside…
…Trump’s South Carolina “Keep America Great” rally started at 7 p.m. Eastern on February 28 at the North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center. This large venue has seating fro 13,000, according to the venue’s website. ABC 4 reported that the arena has a capacity of 13,295….
March 2, 2020: CBS News posted and article titled: “Trump rallies supporters in Charlotte, North Carolina.” From the article:
…Earlier Monday, Mr. Trump said he had no qualms about attending a large stadium rally despite the coronavirus threat.
“I think it’s very safe,” Mr. Trump said of campaign rallies, adding that the Democratic candidates are having plenty of rallies themselves.
The threat of the virus didn’t deter fans of Mr. Trump from attending Monday’s rally in Charlotte, where people in the stands shared buckets of chicken fingers and dunked their hands into shared vats of popcorn while they awaited the president’s arrival.
…The coronavirus outbreak has killed more than 3,000 globally and upended life for many around the globe. In the U.S., the number of infections has surpassed 100, with six dead. Federal officials have not advised against large gatherings in the U.S., leaving that to officials to address…
…Republicans have picked Charlotte to host the Republican National Convention. Mr. Trump also visited Charlotte last month as part of a series of revitalization and “opportunity now” summits, programs he and administrative officials have highlighted as he tries to chip away the Democrats’ electoral advantage in minority communities.
March 7, 2020: Associated Press posted a live blog titled: “The Latest: US state of Missouri reports first virus case”. From the live blog:
…Maryland officials say a person in New Jersey who tested positive for coronavirus attended the recent Conservative Political Action Conference in the Washington suburb of Oxon Hill, Maryland.
That’s leading Maryland officials to warn that anyone who attended or worked at the conference may be at some risk for acquiring COVID-19.
Among the political figures who attended CPAC converence were President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. The White House says there is no indication that either Trump or Pence was in close proximity to the attendee who tested positive…
March 7, 2020: ACU (the official Twitter account of the American Conservative Union) tweeted: “Important Health Notification for CPAC 2020 participants and attendees”.
The tweet included a screenshot with the following text:
“The American Conservative Union has learned that one of our CPAC attendees has unfortunately tested positive today for coronavirus. The exposure occurred before the conference. A New Jersey hospital tested the person, and the CDC confirmed the positive result. The individual is under the care of medical professionals in the state of New Jersey, and has been quarantined.
ACU has been in contact with the Health Department of the State of Maryland, and we will explicitly follow the guidance from government health experts.
This attendee had no interaction with the President or the Vice President and never attended the events in the main hall.
The health and safety of our attendees and participants is our top priority. Any attendee who has questions can contact ACU or the Department of Health for the State of Maryland.
Our children, spouses, extended family, and friends attended CPAC. During this time, we need to remain calm, listen to our health care professionals, and support each other. We send this message in that spirit.
The Trump Administration is aware of the situation, and we will continue regular communication with all appropriate government officials.”
March 8, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Trump ‘not concerned at all’ after CPAC guest tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Johanna Walters. From the article:
Donald Trump said he isn’t concerned at all about the coronavirus getting closed to the White House after it was revealed that an attendee at grassroots conservative conference CPAC had tested positive.
On a day when it also emerged that the nation’s capital had recorded its first case, the American Conservative Union said on Saturday that a participant at CPAC, which was attended by both Trump and the U.S. vice-president Mike Pence, had tested positive for coronavirus.
The White House said there was no indication that either Trump or Pence had been close to the infected attendee.
Asked if he was concerned about the virus getting closer, Trump said: No, I’m not concerned at all. No, I’m not. We’ve done a great job.”
When asked whether his thousand-person campaign rallies would … continue in light of the CPAC case, the president replied: “We’ll have tremendous rallies…”
March 8, 2020: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said Sunday that he shook hands with a man now confirmed to be infected with the novel form of coronavirus during a recent interaction at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
In a news release Sunday evening, Cruz said that based on medical advice he had received, he did not believe there was any current risk of him developing the disease, that has already infected more than 100,000 people globally…
…Nevertheless, Cruz said he will remain at his home in Texas this week “out of an abundance of caution”…
…However, ACU chairman Matt Schlapp told the Washington Post he interacted with the patient at the event and that he then shook Trump’s hand on the stage on the last day of the conference. The organization did not provide any other details about the patient or what events at the conference they attended… The Hill
March 8, 2020: Ted Cruz (Republican – Texas) tweeted: “Today I released the following statement.” The tweet included a screenshot of a statement.
“Last night, I was informed that 10 days ago at CPAC I briefly interacted with an individual who is currently symptomatic and has tested positive for COVID-19. That interaction consisted of a brief conversation and a handshake.
“I have consulted with medical authorities from the Houston Health Department, the Harris County Public Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as my personal physician. I have also spoken with Vice President Pence, Leader McConnell, and Mark Meadows.
“I’m not experiencing any symptoms, and I feel fine and health. Given that the interaction was 10 days ago, that the average incubation period is 5-6 days, that the interaction was for less than a minute, and that I have no current symptoms, the medical authorities have advised that the odds of transmission from the other individual to me were extremely low.
“The physicians further advised that testing is not effective before symptoms manifest, and my brief interaction with the individual does not meet the CDC criteria for self-quarantine.
“The medical authorities explicitly advised me that, given the above criteria, the people who have interacted with me in the 10 days since CPAC should not be concerned about potential transmission.
“Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, and because of how frequently I interact with my constituents as a part of my job and to give everyone peace of mind, I have decided to remain at my home in Texas this week, until a full 14 days have passed since the CPAC interaction.
“Everyone should continue to treat this outbreak seriously and be driven by facts and medical science. We need to continue to be proactive in mobilizing resources to combat this outbreak – including the $8.3 billion in emergency funding we provided last week – and I encourage everyone to follow the recommendations of the CDC and other health professionals in protecting their own health and welfare, as well as the health and welfare of those around them.”
March 8, 2020: Paul Gosar (Republican – Arizona) posted a statement on his website titled: “Gosar Statement on COVID-19”. From the press release:
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-04) issued the following statement:
“I have been informed that during the CPAC conference members of my staff and I came into contact with an individual who has since tested positive for, and is hospitalized for, COVID-19. I was with the individual for an extended period of time, and we shook hands several times.
I am not currently experiencing any symptoms, nor is any member of my staff. However, in order to prevent any potential transmission, I will remain at my home in Arizona until the conclusion of the 14 day period following my interaction with this individual. Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, I am closing my office in Washington D.C. for the week and my team will follow the previously approved Tele-commute plan.
As we learn more about COVID-19, it is imperative to heed the advice and guidance from the CDC and medical professionals. President Trump and Vice President Pence have assembled an incredible team and I have been in contact with the CDC and the House Office of the Attending Physician.”
March 8, 2020: Paul Gosar tweeted: “1. I am announcing that I, along with 3 of my senior staff, are officially under self-quarantine after sustained contact at CPAC with a person who has since been hospitalized with the Wuhan Virus. My office will be closed for the week.” This tweet was part of a short thread.
The thread ended with this tweet: “2. We are all asymptomatic and feel great. But we are being proactive and cautious.”
March 9, 2020: Congresswoman Julia Brownley (Democrat – California) posted a statement on her website titled: “Brownley Statement On Coronavirus Exposure”. From the press release:
“Yesterday I was informed that an individual I met with last week in DC tested positive for COVID-19. I am told that individual is self-quarantining and has informed local public health officials.
“I consulted with the Office of Attending Physician, the CDC, Ventura County Public Health, and a personal physician experienced in infectious diseases, all of whom said that the risk of exposure to me and my staff is considered very low.
“However, given the significant number of constituents and other individuals that my staff and I normally have contact with each day when Congress is in session, I have decided to close our DC office for the week. My staff and I are working remotely to continue to serve the residents of Ventura County, and my district offices in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard remain open.
“Out of an abundance of absolute caution, my DC staff and I are self-monitoring and maintaining social distancing practices. Neither I, nor my staff, are experiencing any symptoms at this time.”
March 9, 2020: Representative Doug Collins (Republican – Georgia) tweeted: “This afternoon, I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for #COVID19. While I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution. Full statement →”
The statement was attached to the tweet said: “This afternoon, I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for coronavirus. While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine at my home for the remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution. I will follow the recommendations of the House Physician and my office will provide updates as appropriate.”
March 9, 2020: Congressman Louie Gohmert (Republican – Texas) tweeted: “Congressman Gohmert’s full statement on #COVID-19”. It included the following statement:
“Saturday night, I got a call from the House physician advising that I had possibly been exposed to the COVID-19 virus at CPAC on February 27th, and that a top CDC physician in Atlanta would call me to discuss what should be done going forward. After CDC physician called me Sunday evening, and we discussed all the specific circumstances of which he was aware along with my circumstance, including that I was asymptomatic, he said that all things considered, I was cleared to return to Washington. He said he would return if he were me and advised that my staff and I should just be careful to observe proper hygiene protocols. I took the advice of the expert and returned to work. No one is panicking and we are observing the recommended precautions.”
March 9, 2020: Representative Josh Harder (Democrat – California) tweeted: “Folks, I’m canceling my planned town hall for next week – don’t want to gather a large crowd on the advice of health experts. Will hold a #coronavirus telephone town hall instead. More info to come.”
March 9, 2020: NPR posted an article titled: “Meadows, Other Members of Congress Self-Quarantine After CPAC Coronavirus Exposure”. It was written by Bobby Allyn. From the article:
Reps. Mark Meadows, Doug Collins, and Matt Gaetz said Monday that they are self-quarantining after learning they came in contact with a person infected with coronavirus while attending a conservative conference in the Washington area last month.
Rep. Mark Meadows, who is the incoming White House chief of staff, is one of several members who attended last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference. At least one attendee has tested positive for coronavirus. Meadows says he has no symptoms and tested negative. But, his spokesperson said, “out of an abundance of caution… he’ll remain at home until the 14 day period expires this Wednesday.”
That brings the number of congressional lawmakers who are self-quarantining over coronavirus concerns to six.
Both Collin and Gaetz have been in close contact with Trump in recent days. Reporters traveling with the president saw Gaetz board Air Force One on Monday…
March 9, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Coronavirus, quarantined congressman flew with Trump on Air Force One”. From the article:
Two Republican congressmen who were in close contact with Donald Trump in recent days have self-quarantined over concerns that they were also in contact in the same period with a known carrier of the coronavirus.
Republicans Matt Gaetz of Florida and Doug Collins of Georgia announced on Monday that they had begun two weeks of self-imposed isolation, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for anyone who has come into contact with the virus. Both congressmen said they were asymptomatic.
Gaetz flew with Trump on Air Force One from Orlando to Washington on Monday and was informed en route that he had come into contact with a virus carrier at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland last month.
“While the congressman is not experiencing symptoms, he received testing today and expects results soon,” said a message posted to Gaetz’s Twitter account.
Collins greeted Trump with a handshake at an airport in Atlanta on Friday before the two visited the CDC headquarters for an update on coronavirus. Collins subsequently learned that he also had been potentially exposed at the conservative conference, held each year in Maryland…
…Gaetz had worn an enormous gas mask last week during a House floor vote on an emergency funding package for the coronavirus response, but he later faced widespread condemnation when one of his own constituents died from the illness…
March 9, 2020: CNBC posted an article titled: “Trump had contact with congressmen Collins and Gaetz before they self-quarantined over coronavirus concerns”. It was written by Dan Mangan and Kevin Breuninger. From the article:
President Donald Trump had contact with two Republican congressmen before their announcements Monday that they were entering self-quarantine after learning they had been previously exposed to someone since diagnosed with coronavirus.
Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia shook hands with Trump last Friday when the president traveled to Atlanta to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where officials there briefed him on their response to coronavirus.
Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida flew on Air Force One with Trump on Monday on a flight from Orlando, Fla., to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
The New York Times, citing two people with knowledge of the situation, reported that Gaetz learned shortly after the plane was airborne that he, like Collins, had been in contact with a person at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland in late February who has since been diagnosed with coronavirus. Gaetz then sat in a section of the plane by himself, the newspaper reported.
Gaetz publicly revealed he was entering self-quarantining about an hour after he got off the plane with Trump…
…The White House said later Monday that Trump had not been tested for coronavirus….
March 10, 2020: Matt Gaetz (Republican – Florida) tweeted: “I’ve just been informed that my COVID-19 lab test was negative. In an abundance of caution, I will remain under self-quarantine at the advice of medical professionals through Thursday at 2pm. I continue to feel fine and show no symptoms.”
March 11, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Trump travel to Nevada, Colorado called off due to coronavirus”. It was written by Brett Samuels. From the article:
President Trump canceled events scheduled for this week in Nevada and Colorado due to the coronavirus, the White House announced Wednesday.
“Out of an abundance of caution from the Coronavirus outbreak, the President has decided to cancel his upcoming events in Colorado and Nevada,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.
The president was scheduled to fly to Nevada on Thursday to attend a fundraiser and speak at Saturday’s Republican Jewish Coalition conference in Las Vegas. He was expected to stop in Denver on Friday…
…The Trump campaign does not currently have any rallies scheduled…
March 11, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Senate staffer tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Jordain Carney. From the article:
A staffer in Sen. Maria Cantwell’s D.C. office has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Washington state Democratic senator announced on Wednesday night.
The announcement marks the first known instance of a congressional staffer getting the virus and follows days of heightened anxiety on Capitol Hill.
The staffer, according to a notice from Cantwell’s office, has been isolated since they started to have symptoms. Cantwell is closing her D.C. office for the remainder of the week for a deep cleaning.
“The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 has had no known contact with the senator or other members of Congress. The senator is requesting that testing be done on any other staffers who have been in contact with the individual and show symptoms,” the notice continues.
It marked the latest development in escalating stream of coronavirus news coming out of the nation’s Capitol on Wednesday, where Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency after six additional cases of COVID-19 were confirmed.
The House and Senate sergeants-at-arms are also preparing to announce the suspension of all tours in the Capitol in an effort to limit the potential spread of the virus on the hill…
March 12, 2020: Business Insider posted an article titled: “Trump won’t self-quarantine despite potential coronavirus exposure from Bolsonaro aide that caused 2 Republican senators to do so”. It was written by Kayla Epstein. From the article:
President Donald Trump has not been tested for coronavirus and has not entered self-quarantine, even after Republican Senators who had similar exposure to a reported COVID-19 patient this weekend chose to take these protective measures.
Trump was at his West Palm Beach club in Mar-a-Lago earlier this week along with a group that included several other administration officials, Republican politicians, Fox News personalities, and other conservatives, according to 1100 Pennsylvania, a watchdog blog dedicated to documenting possible conflicts of interest and high-profile comings and goings at Trump’s properties.
Also in attendance: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was in Florida accompanied by a delegation this week. His spokesman Fabio Wajngarten, who accompanied the foreign leader on the trip and was at Mar-a-Lago, later tested positive for COVID-19 according to Brazilian media and CNN.
Earlier this week, Wajngarten posted a photo of himself side by side with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence at Mar-a-Lago on Instagram. He sported a “Make Brazil Great Again” hat, a nod to the President’s own statement accessory.
White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement to Insider that “The White House is aware of public reports that a member of the Brazilian delegation’s visit to Mar-a-Lago last weekend tested positive for COVID-19; confirmatory testing is pending,”
Despite concerns that Trump and Pence may have been subsequently exposed to the coronavirus by standing right next to Wajngarten, Grisham that they “had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time.”…
March 12, 2020: Senator Rick Scott (Republican – Florida) posted a press release titled: “Senator Rick Scott to Self-Quarantine Following Potential Contact with Brazilian Delegation Member Who Tested Positive for Coronavirus”. From the press release:
Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on his decision to self-quarantine following potential contact with a Brazilian delegation member who tested positive for Coronavirus.
Senator Rick Scott said: “My office was altered today by the Brazilian Embassy that a member of President Bolsonaro’s delegation tested positive for Coronavirus. On Monday, I met with the President in Miami, and while I do not believe I interacted with the infected person, that individual was in the same room as me. The Embassy said the person had no symptoms leading up to or the day of the conference. After consulting with the Senate’s attending physician and my personal doctor, I have been told that my risk is low, and I don’t need to take a test or quarantine. However, the health and safety of the American people is my focus and I have made the decision to self-quarantine in an abundance of caution. I am feeling healthy and not experiencing any symptoms at this time. I will still be working on my plan to combat Coronavirus and protect American families, and my offices in D.C. and throughout the state will still be fully operational to help Floridians.”…
March 12, 2020: Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican – South Carolina) tweeted: “Statement from the Office of Senator Lindsey Graham”. The tweet included a screenshot of the following statement:
“Senator Graham was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend. He has no recollection of direct contact with the President of Brazil, who is awaiting results of a coronavirus test, or his spokesman who tested positive.
“However, in an abundance of caution and upon advice from his doctor, Senator Graham has decided to self-quarantine awaiting the results of a coronavirus test.
“This is a precautionary measure. He will continue to work from home.”
Lindsey Graham’s self-quarantine comes almost two weeks after he attended the Trump rally in South Carolina on February 28, 2020. The CDC states that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. It is unclear whether or not Lindsey Graham had symptoms.
March 12, 2020: Eduardo Bolsonaro (third child of Jair Bolsonaro and Federal Deputy from São Paulo) posted a tweet in two languages. The English part said: “President @jairbolsonaro Bolsonaro has been tested for coronavirus and we are waiting for the results. However, he is not exhibiting any symptoms of the disease.”
March 13, 2020: Business Insider posted an article titled: “Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirms he tested positive for coronavius after meeting with Jair Bolsonaro’s delegation this week”. It was written by Kayla Epstein. From the article:
Miami mayor Francis Suarez announced he has tested positive for the coronavirus, after he met with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and his delegation in Miami earlier this week.
In a Friday video to supporters that appeared to be taken from isolation, Suarez confirmed the positive result for COVID-19, the disease cause by the coronavirus.
“I feel completely healthy and strong,” Suarez said in the video. “However, I am doing the responsible thing by working with the county’s health department to take every precaution to ensure that not only my family’s healthy, but everyone I have come into contact with is healthy with as well.”
Suarez urged anyone who had physical contact twith him to self-quarantine and said he could continue to work while recovering.
“If we did not shake hands or you did not come into contact with me if I coughed or sneezed, there is no action you need to take whatsoever,” he said. “If we did, however, touch or shake hands, or if I sneezed or coughed near you since Monday, it is recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days, but you do not need to get tested. After speaking with medical professionals, I will continue to follow Department of Health protocol and remain isolated while I lead our government remotely.”
Suarez told the Miami Herald in an interview on Friday that he was “concerned for people who have had some measure of contact with me.”…
…During Bolsonaro’s visit to Miami on Monday and Tuesday, Suarez said he was in the same room as the president and his infected staff member.
Suarez said that he did not believe that he had personal contact with the infected individual, and was not experiecing symptoms. However, he chose to enter self-quarantine “out of an abundance of caution.”
March 13, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “Donor recently at Mar-a-Lago tests positive for coronavirus, according to Trump Victory email”. It was written by Will Steakin. From the article:
Trump Victory on Friday informed donors via email who attended a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday that a donor who also attended the event has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to an email obtained by ABC News.
“We unfortunately write today to notify you that an attendee at the Trump Victory-sponsored event you attended at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, March 8, has tested positive for the Coronavirus,” the joint committee between the Trump campaign and Republican National Committee wrote in an email sent today.
The news was first reported by the New York Times.
A senior campaign official tells ABC News the donor did not interact with the president. An RNC official told ABC News that the donor who tested positive for the coronavirus had “no direct contact with the first family” at the Mar-a-Lago event.
“The attendee had no direct interaction with the president or the first family at this event and the VP did not attend this event,” RNC official said.
A Trump campaign senior official also said “no known interaction with family.”
The email adds that the group is “not aware if the individual had the virus. by the time of the event.”…
March 13, 2020: Senator Ted Cruz posted a press release titled: “Sen. Cruz Announces Decision to Extend Self-Quarantine Until March 17 Out of Abundance of Caution”. From the press release:
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement:
My self-quarantine ended yesterday afternoon. I still have no symptoms and feel fine, and I was looking forward to taking my family out to dinner tonight.
“Unfortunately, last night I was informed I had a second interaction with an individual who yesterday tested positive for COVID-19.
“On March 3, I met in my D.C. office with Santiago Abascal, the leader of the Vox Party in Spain. We met for about 20 minutes, sitting together at a conference table. We shook hands twice and took pictures together.
“My understanding is that Mr. Abascal tested positive for COVID-19 last night. His staff have informed us that he was asymptomatic at the time of our meeting and that several days after our meeting he had extended interactions with another individual who has also tested positive.
“I’m still not feeling any symptoms. I’m consulting with medical officials. But, for the same reasons I initially self-quarantined-out of an abundance of caution and to give everyone peace of mind-I am extending the self-quarantine to March 17, a full fourteen days from my meeting with Mr. Abascal.
“COVID-19 is a serious public health hazard. All of us should resist panic, and we should listen to the doctors and the science. Medical professionals tell us social distancing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of this virus, and we should take every step possible to protect our health and be safe.”
March 18, 2020: NBC News posted an article titled: “Two members of House test positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Phil Helsel. From the article:
Two members of the House of Representatives have tested positive for the coronavirus illness COVID-19 and are self-quarantining, the lawmakers said Wednesday.
Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and Ben McAdams, D-Utah, are the first two members of Congress who have said they tested positive for COVID-19.
Diaz-Balart was the first to make the announcement Wednesday. His office said in a statement that after votes on Friday, he self-quarantined in Washington, D.C., and decided not to return home because his wife has a pre-existing condition.
Saturday evening, Diaz-Balart “developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache,” and on Wednesday, he learned he had tested positive for COVID-19, his office said.
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better,” Diaz-Balart said in a statement. “However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus.”
McAdams is quarantining at home in Utah. He said that after he returned home from Washington on Saturday evening, he developed mild cold-like symptoms and isolated himself at home.
“My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough and labored breathing,” McAdams said in a statement. He was tested Tuesday and learned Wednesday that he was positive…
…President Donald Trump was tested, and the test came back as negative, his doctor said Saturday.
At least seven lawmakers said they will self-quarantine as a precaution following the news of two representatives testing positive for the virus, although they said they are not experiencing any symptoms.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said in a statement Wednesday night that because he had an extended meeting with Diaz-Balart last week, he would self-quarantine. And on Thursday, Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Okla., tweeted that she will go into a “precautionary two-week self-quarantine” after having contact with McAdams last week.
Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga., also said that he will self-quarantine until March 27, after he was informed by the Attending Physician of the United States Congress that on March 13 he came into contact with a member who tested positive…
…Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., said in a statement Wednesday night that she would self-quarantine because she participated in a small group meeting with a colleague who has since tested positive.
Other House members who said Wednesday that they interacted with a person who tested positive and will self-quarantine include Reps. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., Matt Cartwright, D-Pa. and Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla. The lawmakers said that they are not experiencing symptoms but will stay at home for the next two weeks, which means they won’t be able to return to Washington when the House comes back into session next week…
March 13, 2020: Embassy of Brazil in the USA tweeted: “Brazil’s Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Nestor Forster has learned tonight that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Following medical advice, Amb. Forster will extend his self-quarantine, which he had already placed himself into as a precautionary measure, for another two weeks.”
March 13, 2020: People posted an article titled: “Brazilian Diplomat Nestor Forster, Who Had Dinner with Donald Trump, Tests Positive for Coronavirus”. It was written by Gabrielle Chung. From the article:
Brazilian diplomat Nestor Forster, who dined with Donald Trump last weekend, has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a tweet from the Embassy of Brazil in Washington, D.C., on Friday…
…The ambassador dined with Trump, 73, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro during a visit to the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, according to the Palm Beach Daily News….
March 13, 2020: Reuters posted an article titled: “Brazil’s Bolsonaro to be tested again for coronavirus: report”. It was written by Debora Moreira and Pedro Fonseca. From the article:
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who met with Donald Trump in the United States less than a week ago, will be retested for coronavirus following a negative test on Friday, Brazil’s Estado de S.Paulo newspaper reported.
The test will be done early next week in order to rule out any chance the president has the virus, the newspaper said, without naming the source of the information. A representative for Bolsonaro’s press office declined to comment.
Bolsonaro and a large Brazilian entourage, including cabinet ministers, met with Trump and other senior U.S. officials last weekend at Mar-a-Lago. One of the party, Bolsonaro’s communications secretary Fabio Wajngarten, tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is in quarantine at his home.
Charge d’Affairs Nestor Forster Jr. at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, who was also present at the Trump dinner, has also now tested positive, GloboNews television channel reported late on Friday.
Bolsonaro said earlier in the day that he had tested negative for coronavirus, in a post on his Facebook page.
“Tests negative for COVID-19 Mr President of the Republic Jair Bolsonaro,” the post said, above an old image of Bolsonaro making an obscene local gesture in an apparent response to some media reports that a first test had been positive.
Estado de S.Paulo said Bolsonaro would remain isolated in quarantine at his official residence until the beginning of next week, citing an unnamed member of the president’s medical staff who said Bolsonaro needed to be isolated for seven days from the time of being in contact with someone infected with the virus.
Bolsonaro’s son Eduardo tweeted earlier on Friday that his test had come back negative. Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva tested negative as well, the ministry said in a statement.
The results for others in the Brazilian delegation, including Bolsonaro’s wife Michelle and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, have not yet been published.
However, Bolsonaro’s lawyer, Karina Kufa, who was part of the delegation, tested positive, according to the O Globo newspaper. Senator Nelsinho Trad, who also formed part of the group, said late Friday that his test had also come back positive…
March 14, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Trump tests negative for coronavirus, White House says”. It was written by Jason Hoffman and Veronica Stracqualursi. From the article:
President Donald Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus, according to a statement from the White House.
Trump took the test on Friday, he said during a Saturday news conference, after coming into recent contact with two individuals who have tested positive for the virus.
“Last night after an in-depth discussion with the President regarding COVID-19 testing, he elected to proceed,” according to the statement about the results released by press secretary Stephanie Grisham with Trump’s permission. “One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the President remains symptom free. I have been in daily contact with the CDC and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and we are encouraging the implementation of all their best practices for exposure reduction and transmission mitigation.”
Trump said Saturday he also had his temperature taken Saturday before entering the White House briefing room. The President told reporters that his temperature was normal…
…Asked when he would announce the results of his coronavirus test, the President said that the test was sent to a lab and could take a day or two. Trump said he took the test “only because the press is going crazy.”…
March 16, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Trump’s Mar-a-Lago getting a deep clean after confirmed coronavirus cases”. It was written by Betsy Klein. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort is undergoing a deep clean after multiple cases of coronavirus were confirmed at the club, a member confirmed to CNN.
Members were notified via email that the Palm Beach, Florida, club, including its grand ballroom, will be closed Monday for a cleaning, with the exception of the beach club, which is separate to the main area and will remain open.
Members were told that dinner will be served as usual Tuesday through Saturday.
The deep clean comes after multiple cases of the virus were reported by people who had been on the premises last week. The White House has said Trump has tested negative for the virus…
March 15, 2020: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) tweeted: “I’m feeling much better. However, it’s important that everyone take this seriously and follow @CDCgov guidelines in order to avoid getting sick & mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”
The tweet included a screenshot of a press release titled: “Diaz-Balart Tests Positive for Coronavirus”.
In an abundance of caution, after votes on Friday, March 13th, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart decided to self-quarantine in Washington D.C., and not return to South Florida because of his wife Tia’s pre-existing conditions that put her at exceptionally high risk. On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19. While in quarantine, Diaz-Balart has been working from his apartment in Washington D.C.. The Congressman said in a statement:
“I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better. However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times.”
March 18, 2020: Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) tweeted: “(1/2) Today, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress informed me that I was in contact with a member of Congress on March 13th that has since tested positive for COVID-19. After heeding the advice of the President, Governor Kemp and at the direction of the House”
Rep. Drew Ferguson followed that tweet with a second tweet: “(2/2) physician, I will self-quarantine until March 27th. I am asymptomatic and will continue to work from home in West Point, Ga.”
March 18, 2020: Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) tweeted: “Please read my statement on contracting #COVID19. I have self-quarantines since first having symptoms and consulted with my doctor. #utpol”
The tweet includes a screenshot of Representative Ben McAdams statement:
Mc Adams statement on COVID-19 illness
On Saturday evening, after returning home from Washington, D.C., I developed mild cold-like symptoms. In consultation with my doctor on Sunday, I immediately isolated myself in my home. I have been conducting all meetings by telephone. My symptoms got worse and I developed a fever, a dry cough, and labored breathing and I remained self-quarantined. On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test. Today I learned that I tested positive. I am still working for Utahns and pursuing efforts to get Utahns the resources they need as I continue doing my job from home until I know it is safe to end my self-quarantine. I’m doing my part as all Americans are doing to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the coronavirus outbreak. I urge Utahns to take this seriously and follow the health recommendations we’re getting from the CDC and other health experts so that we can recover from this public health threat.
March 22, 2020: NBC News posted an article titled: “Rand Paul becomes first senator known to test positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Allan Smith. From the article:
Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Sunday became the first senator known to have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19,” Paul’s account tweeted. “He is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.”
“He expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time,” the thread continued. “Ten days ago, our D.C. office began operating remotely, hence virtually no staff has had contact with Senator Rand Paul.”
Paul’s chief of staff later clarified that he “decided to get tested after attending an event where two individuals subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, even though he wasn’t aware of any direct contact with either one of them.”…
…Paul’s diagnosis has triggered a discussion about whether senators, many of whom are in older age brackets, should go home immediately or self-quarantine, given their likely contact with Paul, who was on the Senate floor extensively over the last week.
The news created fresh uncertainty about how Congress can finish and pass emergency coronavirus legislation, on which Democrats and Republicans are still struggling to reach a deal.
Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, both Utah Republicans, were the first two lawmakers to say they would be self-quarantining for two weeks after having had “extended” interactions with Paul and would have to miss floor votes…
March 24, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “White House press secretary to return to work after negative virus test”. It was written by Tal Axelrod. From the article:
White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham will return to work on Wednesday after testing negative for the coronavirus, a spokesman said.
“Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, who has been quarantined since coming in contact with Brazilian officials almost two weeks ago and working from home, has received negative COVID-19 test results and will be back to work tomorrow,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said.
Grisham, a top aide to President Trump, was with the president at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida earlier this month when he hosted a Brazilian delegation, including President Jair Bolsonaro. A press aide in the delegation later tested positive for the coronavirus.
It was later announced that Grisham would self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution, joining a number of lawmakers and administration officials who have self-quarantined in recent weeks after coming in contact with someone who had tested positive for the virus.
The president and his coronavirus task force headed by Vice President Pence have launched a public relations blitz to tout the White House’s response to the burgeoning virus outbreak, which has infected more than 53,000 people in the U.S.
March 27, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “South Carolina congressman tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Marty Johnson. From the article:
Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) announced Friday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The freshman lawmaker went into self-quarantine starting March 19 after learning he had been in contact with a member of Congres who had tested positive for COVID-19. Cunningham got tested Thursday, with the positive result coming back Friday.
“While my symptoms have begun to improve, I will remain at home until I know it is safe to leave self-quarantine,” Cunningham said in the statement, adding he will continue to tele-work from home….
March 27, 2020: Anchor at WBTV in Charlotte Jamie Boll tweeted: “New information: SC Congressman Joe Cunningham tests positive for coronavirus. He’s from the Charleston area”.
The tweet included a screenshot of Joe Cunningham’s statement:
Cunningham Statement on COVID-19 Test
Mt. Pleasant, S.C. – Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement after learning he had tested positive for COVID-19:
“On March 19th, 2020, I entered self-quarantine after I recieved word from the Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress that I had been in contact with a member of Congress who had since tested positive for COVID-19. While I otherwise feel fine, since March 17th I have been unable to smell or taste, which I learned this week is a potential symptom of COVID-19, I have been in contact with my doctor since I entered self-quarantine. Yesterday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following a virtual consultation on MUSC.care, I went to my local testing clinic. Today, I learned that I tested positive.
“While my symptoms have begun to improve, I will remain at home until I know it is safe to leave self-quarantine. I will continue to tele-work from home as Congress conducts its ongoing response to this public health crisis and my office will continue its urgent work of serving the people of the Lowcounty. Just now, the House passed bipartisan legislation that includes provisions I fought for and secured to deliver much-needed relief for South Carolina families and small businesses. I am grateful that my family remains in good health and urge South Carolinians to follow the guidance and recommendations from the CDC and other health experts so that we can recover from this public health threat.”
March 27, 2020: Rep. Mark Kelley (R-PA) posted a press release on his official website titled: “Representative Kelly Tests Positive for COVID-19”. From the press release:
Earlier, this week, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly began experiencing flu-like symptoms and consulted his doctor, who ordered a test for COVID-19. His test came back positive this afternoon. From his home, in Butler, Pennsylvania, Representative Kelly issued this statement:
“When I started experiencing flu-like symptoms earlier this week, I consulted my primary care physician. My doctor ordered a test for COVID-19, which I obtained at the drive-through testing site at Butler Memorial Hospital. My test came back positive this afternoon. My symptoms remain mild, and I will serve the 16th district from home until I fully recover. Additionally, my staff is tele-working and still available to constituents who need assistance.”
While awaiting his test results, Kelly was not in Washington for the House vote on the third coronavirus relief package. Had he been present, he would have voted in favor of the CARES Act…
March 29, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Capitol Police officer tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Scott Wong. From the article:
A United States Capitol Police (USCP) employee has tested positive for the coronavirus, a spokesperson confirmed to The Hill.
The USCP employee has been self-quarantined since March 18.
“The USCP has contacted employees in order to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with the affected employee. The Department has taken, and will continue to take, all the necessary steps to ensure tha any affected work areas or facilities were properly cleaned,” USCP spokeswoman Eva Malecki said in an email Sunday to The Hill.
“The USCP is working closely with the Office of Attending Physician, Congressional leadership, and the Architect of the Capitol, and our focuse is on the health and well-being of our employees.”
Malecki did not provide any details about the USCP employee. A Capitol source familiar with the case said the employee is an officer who had been assigned to the House chamber…
April 9, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Florida Republican becomes sixth member of Congress to test positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Cristina Marcos. From the article:
Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.) said Thursday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the sixth member of Congress to have the disease.
Dunn’s office said in a statement that he went to the emergency room on Monday not feeling well and later tested positive for the coronavirus.
Dunn, a former surgeon, is now self-quarantining at home and “expects a full recovery soon.”
“Congressman Dunn emphasizes that we must continue to do what we can to target vulnerable places and populations to slow the spread of this disease. He is keenly interested in new and faster testing to help everyone understand their risks,” the statement added, according to WCTV…
May 1, 2020: Phoenix New Times posted an article titled: “Two Arizona County Sheriffs Are Refusing to Enforce Coronavirus Emergency Orders”. It was written by Ray Stern. From the article:
Two Arizona county sheriffs say they refuse to cite or arrest business owners or individuals for violating the state’s emergency coronavirus restrictions.
In doing so, Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb and Mohave County Douglas Schuster – both of them elected officials – are tapping into a growing, mostly conservative-led sentiment in the state that the lockdown has gone far enough.
But their refusals are also in clear opposition to Governor Doug Ducey’s two-week expansion of the stay-at-home order, as well as the advice of health officials and other people who think opening businesses too early would create dangerous conditions for rapid spread of the infection…
…On Friday, Lamb told Phoenix New Times that if he got a call about a business violating reopening restrictions, he’d send a deputy out to “educate and advise” the owners about Ducey’s executive orders. But his deputies won’t be writing citations or arresting anyone from this point on.
“In tough times, tough decisions have to be made,” said Lamb, a Republican elected to office in 2016. “I’m looking at two laws in each hand [and] going with the one that’s 200 years old rather than two days old”…
…Lamb said he gives condolences to people who have lost friends or family members because of the coronavirus, but somebody “has to have the guts” to stand up to the unconstitutional policies, which have created an “unsustainable” economic situation for the vast majority of Arizonans who haven’t gotten sick…
May 7, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “One of Trump’s personal valets has tested positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Kaitlan Collins and Peter Morris. From the article:
A member of the US Navy who serves as one of President Trump’s personal valets has tested positive for coronavirus, CNN learned Thursday, raising concerns about the President’s possible exposure to the virus.
The valets are members of an elite military unit dedicated to the White House and often work very close to the President and the first family. Trump was upset when he was informed Wednesday that the valet had tested positive, a source told CNN, and the President was subsequently tested again by the White House physician.
In a statement, the White House confirmed CNN’s reporting that one of the President’s staffers had tested positive.
“We were recently notified bu the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus,” deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley said in a statement. “The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.
Valets assist the President and first family with a variety of personal tasks. They are responsible for the President’s food and beverage not only in the West Wing but also travel with him when he’s on the road or out of the country. Past presidents have relied on them not only for these matters, but also as confidants. The valets have an inside view to a president’s personal life like few others.
A White House source said the valet, a man who has not been identified, exhibited “symptoms” Wednesday morning, and said the news that someone close to Trump had tested positive for coronavirus was “hitting the fan” in the West Wing…
…The White House is continuing to use the rapid Abbott Labs test, which provide results in about 15 minutes. Several officials who have received the test said it’s often administered in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next door to the West Wing on the White House grounds. A medical official swabs the staffer’s nostrils and informs them that they’ll be notified within the next several minutes if it’s positive.
Still, the White House has not enforced strict social distancing guidelines for staffers and few people inside the building wear masks during the day, including valets.
Trump said before traveling aboard Air Force One earlier this week that he was not concerned about being in close quarters with other people since those around him are regularly tested…
May 7, 2020: CNBC posted an article titled: “Trump says coronavirus tests are ‘overrated,’ but he will get tested daily”. It was written by Kevin Breuniger. From the article:
President Donald Trump said Thursday that testing for the coronavirus is “somewhat overrated” shortly after announcing that he will be tested for the disease every single day.
Daily tests will also be conducted for “everyone that comes into contact with the president,” Vice President Mike Pence added to reporters at the White House.
The new daily testing policy for the president and those in his circle comes hours after the White House acknowledged that a personal valet for Trump tested positive for Covid-19.
Trump and Pence have since been retested after coming into contact with the valet, who among things serves the president’s meals.
Both Trump and Pence tested negative for the coronavirus, the White House said…
May 7, 2020: CSPAN tweeted: “President Trump on White House military valet testing positive for COVID-19: “Testing is not a perfect art. So, we test once a week. Now we’re going to test once a day.. I’ve had very little contact, personal contect, with this gentleman”. The tweet included a video of President Donald Trump speaking. Next to him is Texas Governor Greg Abbot.
May 8, 2020: USA Today posted an article titled: “White House staff to be tested daily for coronavirus after military aide tests positive”. It was written by David Jackson and Michael Collins. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s his staff will be tested daily for coronavirus after a Navy valet who has been in close proximity to him tested positive for the disease.
Trump told reporters on Thursday that he has had “very little contact” with the valet. But during an appearance Friday on the morning program “Fox & Friends,” Trump said the valet was in the same room with him on Tuesday, the day he began exhibiting symptoms.
Trump said he doesn’t recall any direct contact with the ill employee, but that White House aides will be now tested daily for coronavirus instead of weekly. Officials would not say whether Trump himself will be tested daily…
…Both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were given new tests after officials learned that the military aide had tested positive for the disease. Trump said he has been tested twice in recent days, with both tests coming back negative. Pence’s test also was negative, administration officials said.
The White House did not identify the infected person.
“We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus,” said White House spokesman Hogan Gidley in a statement. “The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”…
May 8, 2020: Katie Miller, Vice President Pence’s spokesperson, tested positive for coronavirus. She is the wife of Stephen Miller, who works closely with President Trump. Politico
May 8, 2020: Yahoo! News posted an article titled: “Document reveals Secret Service has 11 current virus cases, as concerns about Trump’s staff grow”. It was written by Jana Winter and Hunter Walker. From the article:
Multiple members of the U.S. Secret Service have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to Department of Homeland Security documents reviewed by Yahoo News.
In March, the Secret Service, which is responsible for the protection of President Trump and other leaders, acknowledged that a single employee tested positive in March. However the problem is currently far more widespread, with 11 active cases at the agency as of Thursday evening, according to a daily report compiled by the DHS.
This report comes as a pair of cases among White House staffers close to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have put the West Wing’s coronavirus security procedures in the spotlight.
According to the DHS document, along with the 11 active cases there are 23 members of the Secret Service who have recovered from COVID-19 and an additional 60 employees who are self-quarantining. No details have been provided about which members of the Secret Service are infected or if any have recently been on detail with the president or vice president.
The DHS, which oversees the agency, referred all requests for comment to the Secret Service, which in turn declined to comment on the number of coronavirus cases among its employees…
…On Monday, Yahoo News reported that there are regularly held large events with unmasked attendees in close quarters at the White House — including inside the Oval Office, which is the president’s inner sanctum. Many Secret Service employees on the White House grounds are among those who are not wearing masks. The agency did not respond to questions about why its employees are not wearing masks or whether personal protective equipment is being provided to members of the Secret Service who request it. Pence and Trump have also regularly opted not to wear masks…
May 9, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “CDC director will self-quarantine after contact with COVID-19 positive case”. It was written by J. Edward Moreno. From the article:
Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will self-quarantine for two weeks after coming in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 at the White House.
“CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has been determined to have had a low risk exposure on May 6 to a person at the White House who has COVID-19. He is feeling fine, and has no symptoms. He will be teleworking for the next two weeks,” a CDC spokesperson told several media outlets.
The spokesperson added that, “In the event Dr. Redfield must go to the White House to fulfill any responsibilities as part of White House Coronavirus Task Force work, he will follow the safety practices set out by the CDC for those who may have been exposed.”
The CDC did not immediately respond to an inquiry from The Hill.
Though the CDC did not specify who at the White House Redfield came into contact with, Katie Miller, Vice President Pence’s press secretary, tested positive for the virus on Friday, and one of President Trump’s personal valets tested positive on Thursday.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn also said Saturday he will self-quarantine for the next two weeks after learning that he came in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19.
Like the CDC in the case of Redfield, the FDA did not disclose who Hahn came in contact with, but Politico, citing administration officials, reported that Hahn had come in contact with Miller.
May 10, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Pence to work from White House after aide tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Brett Samuels. From the article:
Vice President Pence will continue working from the White House this week after his press secretary tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, a spokesman said Sunday.
“Vice President Pence will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine. Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” Pence spokesman Devin O’Malley said in a statement.
Multiple news outlets reported that Pence was self-isolating after his press secretary, Katie Miller, tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday. One person familiar with the matter told The Hill that Pence may lay low for a few days and take extra precautions.
Three of the government’s top health officials have since announced they are going into some form of self-quarantine after interacting with Miller in the days leading up to her positive test.
Food and Drug Administration Administrator Stephen Hahn and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield both intend to self-quarantine, according to spokespeople. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious diseases expert at the National Institutes of Health, said he will go into a “modified” self-quarantine.
All three are members of the White House coronavirus task force, which is led by Pence. Miller is said to have sat in on at least one of the group’s meetings last week.
All three are members of the White House coronavirus task force, which is led by Pence. Miller is said to have sat in on at least one of the group’s meetings last week.
The three health officials were also slated to testify before a Senate committee this week and will now do so via videoconference.
Miller, who is married to senior White House adviser Stephen Miller, was one of two White House officials to test positive for the coronavirus last week. The other is a military member who works as a valet for President Trump.
The two positive tests have raised concerns about the virus spreading within the building and forced officials to reckon with how best to protect the president and vice president.
Trump and Pence have gone from being tested weekly to being tested daily, and officials have said they will institute additional procedures in the coming days to further limit their exposure to the virus.
May 10, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Sen. Lamar Alexander to self-quarantine after staff member tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Jordain Carney. From the article:
Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) will self-quarantine after a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.
David Cleary, Alexander’s chief of staff, said the GOP senator had no symptoms and had tested negative for the coronavirus on Thursday. The staff member, according to Cleary, tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday.
“After discussing this with the Senate’s attending physician, Senator Alexander, out of an abundance of caution, has decided not to return to Washington, D.C., and will self-quarantine in Tennessee for 14 days,” he said.No other staff in Alexander’s office is expected to self-quarantine and most of the GOP senator’s Washington, D.C., staff, like most offices on Capitol Hill, was already working remotely.
Alexander is the latest senator who has had to self-quarantine after exposure to the virus. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is the only senator known to have tested positive but others, including Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), have also self-quarantined in recent months.
Alexander, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is expected to keep working remotely, including overseeing a hearing scheduled for Tuesday on the virus…
May 11, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “No quarantine for Mike Pence despite rash of Covid-19 cases in White House”. It was written by Tom McCarthy. From the article:
Mike Pence will not enter quarantine despite a rash of coronavirus cases in the White House in recent days, including a positive test for the vice-president’s own press secretary.
“Vice-President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow,” Devin O’Malley, a backup spokesman for Pence, said on Sunday night.
As the Trump administration urges Americans to return to workplaces and Donald Trump touts a “transition to greatness” ahead, the White House faces a delicate balancing act in projecting business as usual even as coronavirus cases spread through the halls of power.
Three members of the White House coronavirus taskforce – Dr Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Dr Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration; and Dr Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – have entered two weeks of isolation, after having contact with someone who later tested positive.
Senator Lamar Alexander, a Republican from Tennessee who chairs the health committee, is isolating himself after a member of staff tested positive. A senior admiral on Trump’s top military advisory committee, chief of naval operations Michael Gilday, is also isolating himself following contact with an infected relative, Bloomberg News reported. Gen Joseph Lengyel tested positive at the White House on Saturday in a spot check, before he was to meet Trump.
A valet for Trump, who had served the president food without wearing a mask, also recently tested positive. The White House is considering new rules under which aides must maintain a distance of two metres (6ft) from the president, ABC News reported.
Pence’s spokeswoman, Katie Miller, the wife of Stephen Miller, one of the president’s closest aides, who is in frequent close contact with the Trump family, tested positive last week. It was unclear if Stephen Miller had entered self-isolation…
…On Monday morning the number of recorded Covid-19 deaths in the US was close to 80,000, and while the rate of new cases appears to be slowing in the New York City area and other sites of major outbreaks, elsewhere new infections are rising.
Nowhere is testing and contact-tracing for the virus as thoroughly as the White House, where aides and senior officials including Trump and Pence receive both spot checks and repeated testing in various forms, some on a daily basis. Without such testing, cases could go undetected, leading to a potentially wide outbreak…
May 12, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Pence ‘maintaining distance’ from Trump ‘for the immediate future'”. It was written by Jeremy Diamond and Kevin Liptak. From the article:
Vice President Mike Pence is taking some precautions, but stopping short of the recommended self-quarantine in the wake of his press secretary testing positive for coronavirus.
Pence is “maintaining distance for the immediate future” from President Trump after consulting with the White House medical unit, a senior administration official said. It is not yet clear exactly how long Pence will stay away from Trump.
Later, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Pence had made the decision himself…
…Trump said Monday that he has not seen Pence since the vice president’s press secretary Katie Miller tested positive on Friday, a fact that was underscored by Pence’s absence from Trump’s news conference Monday. Trump said he could confer with Pence by telephone.
Pence said during a call with governors on Monday that he was taking extra precautions, noting that he was “in a separate room on my own” during a videoconference while Dr. Deborah Birx was “in a situation room meeting with some staff,” according to audio of the call obtained by CNN’s Betsy Klein…
…While he arrived to the White House on Tuesday wearing a mask, Pence has shown up on other days without covering his face. And his very presence there — even if he is staying away from Trump — contravenes guidelines issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advise those who have had “close contact” (within six feet of someone for a prolonged period of time) with someone who has tested positive to stay home for 14 days after their last interaction…
June 6, 2020: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tweeted: “COVID-19 has literally hit home. I have had NO symptoms and have tested positive.”
June 15, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “House GOP lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Cristina Marcos. From the article:
Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) announced Monday that he and his family have tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the eighth member of Congress to have a confirmed or presumed case of the disease.
Rice said in a Facebook post that he, his wife, and his son had developed symptoms of COVID-19 – which he referred to as they “Wuhan flu” – in the last week but are now recovering.
“We are all on the mend and doing fine,” Rice wrote. He noted that his son “had gotten really sick” with a fever and “really bad cough,” while his wife had a “slight” fever with a cough and aches.
Rice said that he had milder symptoms but lamented that he had lost his sense of taste and smell – and expressed particular frustration that he is unable to enjoy bacon.
“I was lucky, and it was not bad for me. I had a low fever and a mild cough. It was gone by Thursday. I never stopped eating or drinking or working or moving. The only bad thing is I have completely lost sense of taste and smell. CAN’T TASTE BACON!!!” Rice wrote.
“We are finishing our quarantine and looking forward to seeing you all again. Friends, please wash your hands and take precautions,” Rice concluded…
June 17, 2020: AZ Central posted an article titled: “Pinal County sheriff says he tested positive for COVID-19 before planned Trump meeting”. It was written by Perry Vandell. From the article:
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb announced on Wednesday afternoon that he tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Lamb posted on the Pinal County Sheriff Office’s Facebook page that he had been invited on Tuesday to join President Donald Trump at the White House and was tested before the meeting as part of the protocol…
…Lamb said he believes he came into contact with an infected person during a campaign event he held on Saturday. Lamb didn’t say if he wore a mask or practiced social distancing at the event.
“While still asymptomatic, I tested positive for the COVID-19,” Lamb wrote. “I will be self-quarantining for the next 14 days minimum. I alerted the Pinal County Public Health Dept. immediately after my positive test, and they are working to track all those I came in contact with following the Saturday event.”…
June 18, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Oklahoma venue management asks Trump campaign for health plan ahead of rally”. It was written by Marina Pitofsky. From the article:
The Bank of Oklahoma (BOK) Center in Tulsa, Okla., where President Trump is set to hold a campaign rally Saturday evening, requested Thursday that his campaign provide a plan for “health and safety” measures ahead of the event amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Given the Tulsa Health Department’s recent reports of increases in coronavirus cases and the State of Oklahoma’s encouragement for event organizers to follow CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines, we have requested that the Trump campaign, as the event organizer, provide BOK Center with a written plan detailing the steps the event will institute for health and safety, including those related to social distancing,” Meghan Blood, director of marketing for the BOK Center, said in a statement, CNN reported.
“Once received, we will share the plan with local health officials.”
The Trump campaign said that it will offer masks and temperature checks to all attendees.
The statment from the facility said that all staffers will be tested for COVID-19, and the venue will be “cleaned and disinfected repeatedly throughout the event, with special emphasis on high-touch areas.”…
June 19, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Trump to host 4th of July event despite pleas from lawmakers to cancel”. It was written by Tal Axelrod. From the article:
President Trump will host a Fourth of July event despite pleas from lawmakers to cancel over concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
The White House announced Friday that Trump and first lady Melania Trump with the Interior Department, will host the “2020 Salute to America” on the South Lawn of the White House and Ellipse on July 4.
The event will feature music, military demonstrations and flyovers to celebrate the nation’s service members and veterans, as well as an address from the president.
The event comes despite pushback from lawmakers that holding a mass gathering could put people at risk of contracting the coronavirus…
June 19, 2020: PBS posted an article titled: “Oklahoma Supreme Court says Trump rally attendees don’t have to wear masks”. From the article:
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request to require everyone attending President Trump’s rally in Tulsa this weekend to wear a face mask and stay at least six feet apart from everyone else in the arena to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.
The court ruled that the two local residents who asked that the thousands expected at the rally be required to take the precautions couldn’t establish that they have a clear legal right to the relief they sought. In a concurring opinion, two justices wrote that the state’s reopening plan is “permissive, suggestive and discretionary.”…
…The request was made by John Hope Franklin for Reconciliation, a nonprofit that promotes racial equality, and the Greenwood Centre, Ltd., which owns commercial real estate, and on behalf of the two locals, who are described as having compromised immune systems and being particularly vulnerable to COVID-19…
…Oklahoma has seen a recent spike in coronavirus cases, setting a daily high on Thursday of 450. Health officials on Friday reported 125 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Tulsa County, which is the most of any country in Oklahoma. Statewide, there were 352 new cases and one new coronavirus death reported Friday, raising the state’s new total number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began to 9,706 and its death toll to 367…
June 20, 2020: NBC News Correspondent Carol Lee tweeted: “NEW: six staffers working on Trump campaign rally in Tulsa have tested positive for coronavirus – campaign stmt says “quarantine procedures were immediately implemented. No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today’s rally.”
June 20, 2020: …Before the rally [in Tulsa] Trump’s campaign revealed that six staff members who were helping set up for the event had tested positive for the coronavirus. Campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said neither the affected staffers nor anyone who was in immediate contact with them would attend the event. Associated Press
June 20, 2020: Herman Cain tweeted: “Here’s just a few of the #BlackVoicesForTrump at tonight’s rally! Having a fantastic time!” #TulsaRally2020 #Trumptulsa #TulsaTrumprally #MAGA #Trump2020 #Trump2020Landslide”.
The tweet includes a photo of Herman Cain siting with a group of people he has identified in the tweet as part of #BlackVoicesForTrump. Some people in the group are leaning on each other while seated close together. No one is wearing a mask.
June 20, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “6 Trump campaign staffers in Tulsa test positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Grace Segers. From the article:
Six Trump campaign staffers on the advance team for the president’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Trump campaign confirmed to CBS News. According to the campaign, the staffers were immediately quarantined and will not have contact with any rally attendees.
“Per safety protocols, campaign staff are tested for COVID-19 before events. Six members of the advance team tested positive out of hundreds of tests performed, and quarantine procedures were immediately implemented,” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said in a statement. “No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today’s rally or near attendees and elected officials. As previously announced, all rally attendees are given temperature checks before going through security, at which point they are given wristbands, facemasks and hand sanitizer.”
The rally, Mr. Trump’s first since March, is taking place at the Bank of Oklahoma Center, which holds 19,000 people, with an additional stage in the outdoor area adjacent to the venue that can hold several thousand more. Health experts have raised concerns about having so many people gathered in one place, particularly as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Oklahoma and several other states.
Although the campaign will be providing masks for rally attendees, it will not be mandatory to wear them. Several people waiting outside the Bank of Oklahoma Center ahead of the rally told CBS News they would not be wearing masks at the event. The online registration page for the rally included a legal disclaimer for attendees to acknowledge “that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.”
June 22, 2020: Two members of a campaign advance team who attended President Donald Trump’s rally in Oklahoma on Saturday have tested positive for the coronavirus, the campaign said.
The new test results bring the tally of advance team members for the Tulsa event who have tested positive for Covid-19 up to eight
The six earlier positive tests of advance members occurred just before the event, and those people did not attend the rally as a result.
At least two of the earlier positive tests were of Secret Service agents. CNBC
June 23, 2020: NBC News reported the following:
The Dream City Church in Phoenix, where President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend a rally Tuesday, made a surprising claim Sunday: Its building has an air filtration system that can neutralize the coronavirus. Many experts found this startling, because there is little evidence such systems can stop the spread of the virus.
The claim came in a video in which the senior pastor, Luke Barnett, and Chief Operations Officer Brendon Zastrow discussed the presidential visit and the air purification system from a local company, IONaer, which echoes the claim of its system’s effect on the virus on its website. IONaer does business as CleanAir EXP.
“It was a technology developed by some members of our church,” Zastrow said. “And we’ve installed these units. And it kills 99 percent of COVID within 10 minutes.”
It’s the kind of claim that has little basis in reality, experts say. Both the ionization technology on which the system is based, as well as the way it works, are of limited effectiveness.
“When it comes to COVID-19 transmission, person-to-person transmission between those within 6 feet of each other is driving the majority of transmission,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, said. “Any ‘air cleaning’ type of device would not be able to have an impact on this close range transmission and the video could give attendees a false sense of security.”
The videos with the claim about the air purification system have since been removed from the church’s social media accounts…
…Tim Bender, the CEO and co-founder of IONaer, which makes the air purification systems, stressed that they had only been tested on “surrogates,” which are viruses similar to the coronavirus…
…Bender also clarified that the system is ineffective if people come into close contact with one another.
“There is nothing we can do with someone who coughs or sneezes,” Bender said. “The words we try to use is we add an additional layer of protection from passing viruses and bacteria through the area inside buildings. It’s just an additional layer of protection. If you’re taking the particulates out, you’re taking away the magic carpet that they’re traveling on.”…
…Trump is scheduled to begin a trip through Arizona on Tuesday, putting him in the middle of a state that is dealing with one of the worst outbreaks of the coronavirus. He will visit the church Tuesday afternoon, with organizers expecting about 3,000 attendees, according to The Arizona Republic.
Experts and even scientists in Trump’s own administration have warned against such events….
June 23, 2020: Several reporters who attended the Trump rally at the Dream City Church in Phoenix posted tweets about it. Here are a few:
- White House reporter for AP, political analyist for MSNBC and NBC News, Jonathan Lemire, tweeted: “The scene of President Trump’s appearance at a Phoenix mega-church. No social distancing. And the only masks I am seeing are being worn by the White House travel pool.” The tweet included a photo that shows that the church was packed with people, all sitting very close to each other.
- Former Newspaperman Sam Pye tweeted: “VIDEO: Crowds await the arrival of President Trump in #Phoenix. #TrumpRally #Trump2020 #PhoenixRally #PhoenixTrumpRally #Trump[American flag emoji”. The video shows a packed church, with people standing or sitting very close together. There were one or two people who were wearing masks.
- White House Correspondent for Bloomberg News, Jordan Fabian tweeted: “Inside Phoenix mega church for President Trump’s Turning Point speech, full house, no distancing and very few masks being worn.” The tweet included a photo that shows that the church was packed with people who were not social distancing.
- CBSNews White House Correspondent Ben Tracy tweeted: “At a Trump event in Phoenix where there is no social distancing and hardly anyone is wearing a mask. Arizona has one of the worst #covid issue in the country right now.” The tweet included a photo from above the crowd that was seated nearest the stage. Two people are wearing masks.
Students For Trump tweeted: “ABSOLUTELY PACKED HOUSE for @matggaetz and @RichardGrennel’s speech today leading up to @DonaldJTrumpJr, @kimguifoyle, and President @realDonaldTrump”. The tweet included a short video of some of the crowd. Many are wearing red hats. No one in the video is wearing a mask.
June 23, 2020: U.S. House Candidate Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) tweeted a thread that started with: “Last night, I learned my campaign team was potentially exposed to Coronavirus last week. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for my children and my team, I was tested for COVID-19. Today, my physician administered the Abbott Sars-Cov-2 RNA ID now nasal swab rapid test.”
The second tweet said: “I tested positive for COVID-19 a few minutes later. I was feeling a little fatigued with a body ache this weekend but that is kind of normal on the campaign trail. I have a slightly stuffy nose and mild body ache, but I do not have a fever or cough.”
The third tweet said: “I am concerned for my two children, the rest of my team, and volunteers, all of whom are like family. In consultation with my physician, I have personally contacted every individual, to the best of my knowledge, who has been in close proximity to me over the last week.”
The fourth tweet said: “I have asked for and paid for my staff and volunteers to get tested immediately. All of my campaign staff and volunteers have been instructed to self-quarantine and work remotely. My children and I will be in quarantine for the next two weeks or until I test negative for COVID.”
The thread continues from there.
June 25, 2020: Oklahoma Watch reporter Paul Monies tweeted: “This won’t be painful, but it will be uncomfortable. We have this big Q-Tip that we’ll put up your nose for 10 seconds. I’ll count out loud.” Got my post #TulsaTrumpRally #COVID19 test. Called Monday for appointment & got one this morning. Results in 2-3 business days.” The tweet includes a short video from his car. He was wearing a mask.
June 25, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Dozens of Secret Service agents will be quarantined after Trump’s Tulsa rally”. It was written by Jim Acosta and Paul LeBlanc. From the article:
Dozens of Secret Service agents will be quarantined as a precaution following President Donald Trump’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a law enforcement official told CNN on Wednesday.
The mass quarantine has led to the decision that Secret Service agents involved with presidential trips must be tested for coronavirus for the next couple of weeks, according to an email set to agency personnel. The email sent out Wednesday was confirmed by the law enforcement official. Agents must now be tested 24 to 48 hours before a presidential trip, the email said. The new testing mandate will be in place until July 4…
…Asked about the decision to test all agents on presidential trips for coronavirus, the Secret Service official said protecting agency personnel is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic…
…A US Secret Service source who worked advance for Saturday’s rally and is now quarantining told CNN that agents from Dallas and Houston worked the event as well, and they had been warned before the trip from those field offices that they would need quarantine when they got home.
The steps come after two Secret Service agents who attended the rally tested positive for coronavirus, a person familiar with the matter previously told CNN…
…Still, news of the quarantined Secret Service staff will heighten scrutiny of the Tulsa rally, which has already been intensely watched after the Trump campaign announced that some advance team staffers who worked on the event had tested positive for the virus.
Attendees were not required to wear masks or practice social distancing, despite the administration’s top health officials stressing the importance of both measures in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Several administration officials at the rally did not wear masks, though campaign manager Brad Parscale was seen in one.
Those attending the rally had to agree not to sue the campaign if they contracted coronavirus, acknowledging the “inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.”…
June 26, 2020: Oklahoma Watch reporter Paul Moines tweeted: “Friends, I tested positive for #COVID19. I’m pretty surprised. I have zero symptoms (so far) and I feel fine. In fact, I ran 5 miles this morning. I spent the last few hours calling people I know I’ve been in contact with in the last 14 days. Be safe out there.”
June 26, 2020: President Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, is “working from home” after Secret Service agents who attended last week’s campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tested positive for the coronavirus.
Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh, in a conference call with reporters, confirmed to The Daily Beast that Parscale was among the officials working remotely, and would return to work only after being tested for COVID-19… Business Insider
June 26, 2020: Billboard reported the following:
Hours before President Donald Trump took the stage last Saturday at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for his first rally in the COVID-19 era, arena workers were busy labeling thousands of seats with “Do Not Sit Here Please!” stickers to promote social distancing, part of a new safety protocol at the arena known as VenueShield.
Campaign staff quickly radioed over to an executive at ASM Global and asked the arena to stop labeling the seats. In fact, “they also told us that they didn’t want any signs posted saying we should social distance in the venue,” says Doug Thornton, executive vp for ASM Global, who oversees nearly 100 arenas across five continents for the venue management company created by the 2019 merger of AEG and SMG…
…A video created by a third party and reviewed by Billboard shows Trump staffers methodically walking the aisles of the BOK Center and peeling the three-inch square stickers from thousands of campaign chairs ahead of the “Make America Great Again” rally. (Trump’s campaign did not respond to Billboard’s request for comment)…
June 26, 2020: MSN posted an article from Green Bay Press Gazette titled: “Trump, in stop at Green Bay Austin Staubel airport, tells Hannity that Biden ‘can’t speak,’ blames Evers for Madison unrest”. It was written by Kent Tempus, Sammy Gibbons and Haley BeMiller. From the article:
President Donald Trump visited northeastern Wisconsin Thursday for the first of what are expected to be multiple campaign visits to the state by the president and his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden.
Trump arrived at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport on Air Force One just before 1 p.m. and immediately got into a black SUV that took him to the nearby Jet Air Group facility for a town hall with Fox News host Sean Hannity and about 50 supporters.
During the interview with Hannity, which aired at 8 p.m., Trump discussed protests held in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police and accused some of wanting “to destabilize our country”. He blamed unrest in Madison and the assault of a state senator this week on Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, contending it wouldn’t have happened under former Republican Gov. Scott Walker…
…The president also directed much of his attention to Biden.
“I don’t want to be nice or un-nice, but the man can’t speak, and he’s going to be a president because some people don’t love me maybe,” he said.
Afterward. Trump left the airport just before 3 p.m. on the Marine One helicopter to fly to Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, where he toured the shipbuilding yard and spoke about a $5.5 billion contract recently awarded to the company….
…Attendance at the town hall was limited to 50 people due to coronavirus concerns. All audience members had their temperatures checked are were required to wear a face covering – either their own or one provided by Fox News. No media other than Fox News were allowed inside during the taping…
June 27, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Mike Pence postpones Florida campaign tour as push to reopen US stalls”. It was written by Edward Helmore. From the article:
As reopening plans went into a dramatic reverse or stalled across the US in the face of a resurgent virus, Mike Pence called off a planned campaign bus tour in Florida amid a surge in confirmed Covid-19 cases.
The vice-president had been set to appear in Lake Wales at an event next week organized by pro-Trump group America First Policies. The event was billed as part of the “Great American Comeback tour.”
The group announced: “Out of an abundance of caution at this time, we are postponing the Great American Comeback tour stop in Florida. We look forward to rescheduling soon.” Pence was still traveling to the state, the White House confirmed, saying he would meet with Governor Ron DeSantis and his healthcare teams…
June 27, 2020: USA Today posted an article titled: “Pence cancels campaign events in Florida and Arizona as coronavirus cases spike”. It was written by Nicholas Wu. From the article:
Vice President Mike Pence has canceled campaign events in Florida and Arizona as coronavirus cases spike in those states.
A spokesperson for President Donald Trump’s campaign confirmed to USA TODAY the events, which included stops as part of Pence’s “Faith in America” tour were canceled “out of an abundance of caution” as cases climb in Florida and Arizona.
A representative for the vice president said Pence would still travel to Texas, Arizona, and Florida this week to meet with governors.
On Tuesday, Pence was scheduled to give remarks at a Faith in America event in Tuscon and to meet with Gov. Doug Ducey about the COVID-19 response.
Pence had planned to travel to Florida on July 2 for a bus tour, meeting with Gov. Ron DeSantis about the coronavirus pandemic, and to deliver remarks both at a Faith in America event in Sarasota after touring Oakley Transport Inc. in Lake Wales…
…Florida announced 9,585 cases Saturday, and Arizona announced 3,591 cases.
June 28, 2020: The Texas Tribune posted an article titled: “Pence visits Dallas as Texas grapples with coronavirus spike”. It was written by Patrick Svitek. From the article:
Vice President Mike Pence, during a trip to Dallas on Sunday, promised Texas would bounce back from a recent surge in cases of the new coronavirus while urging Americans to turn to their faith during a tumultuous period for the nation.
“Working with your governor, we will put the health of the people of the Lone Star State first, and every single day we’ll continue to reclaim our freedom and our way of life, as each day we are one day closer to the day we put this pandemic in the past,” Pence said during an event at First Baptist Dallas….
…After the event, Pence – who chairs the White House Coronavirus Task Force – Gov. Greg Abbott and his coronavirus response advisers briefed Pence on the dire situation in Texas. Speaking with reporters afterward, Abbott said the virus has taken a “very swift and very dangerous turn in Texas over just the past few weeks,” while Pence praised Abbott for his leadership – which has come under heavy fire from Democrats – and pledged the full support of the federal government.
The vice president also emphasized the importance of wearing a mask to reduce further spread.
The talk was a last-minute addition to Pence’s agenda. For over a week, the vice president had been scheduled to appear at First Baptist for its annual Celebrate Freedom Sunday, but he added meeting with Abbott in recent days as the state confronted its worst week yet in the pandemic.
The number of daily new cases hit a record high Thursday of nearly 6,000, and the number of hospitalizations has reached new highs every day for the past 16 days…
…Pence doubled down on his praise for Abbott later in the day, telling reporters after the briefing at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center that the governor demonstrated “decisive action” in reopening the state…
…Pence’s trip coincided with a growing debate in Texas over requiring people to wear masks. Abbott has resisted calls to fine individuals who do not wear masks but has allowed local governments to order businesses to require customers to do so.
Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Abbott, Pence, and [Dr. Debra] Birx all urged Texans to wear masks. Birx was particularly emphatic, saying she was “appealing to every Texas to wear a mask… Every single one of them.”
Pence, Birx and his two other high-profile travel companions, Texas Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, all had face coverings on when they disembarked Air Force Two in Dallas on Sunday morning, as did their greeters; Abbott, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. All appeared to remain masked while seated at the church, according to video broadcast by the church.
Pence has made headlines for not wearing a face covering at other public appearances during the pandemic. President Donald Trump has also refused to wear a mask in front of cameras.
First Baptist Dallas, led by pastor and ardent Trump supporter Robert Jeffress, had “strongly encouraged” attendees to wear masks and also socially distance. But the video of the ceremony showed most attendees sitting close together in pews, with only some donning masks. Most of the over 100 people in the choir and band sections on the stage were not wearing masks…
June 30, 2020: Axios posted the following information:
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham on Monday that attendees at a July 3 event at Mount Rushmore where President Trump is set to speak will not be required to practice social distancing.
What she is saying: “We will have a large event on July 3. We told those folks that have concerns that they can stay home, but those who want to come and join us, we’ll be giving out free face masks, if they choose to wear one. But we won’t be social distancing.”…
June 30, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Trump campaign scraps rally ahead of Session-Tuberville primary amid pandemic”. It was written by Kaitlan Collins and Kevin Liptak. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s campaign has scrapped plans to hold a rally in Alabama next weekend amid concerns about coronavirus infections rising in the US, CNN has learned.
Trump was slated to travel to the state ahead of the Senate race between his former attorney general Jeff Sessions and the former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville, but plans were called off as state officials voiced concerns about a mass gathering and campaign officials ultimately decided against it. A person close to the campaign said there are currently no rallies on the horizon, but aids are scoping out possible venues for when they decided to host them again…
…On Tuesday, Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey announced an amended order, which will extend the current rules until the end of July. The order encourages minimizing travel outside the home and wearing face coverings when doing so. The order also states that “all non-work related gatherings of any size, including drive-in gatherings, that cannot maintain a consistent six-foot distance between persons from different households are prohibited.”…
July 1, 2020: BuzzFeed News reported the following:
At least five members of the choir and orchestra at the Dallas megachurch visited by Vice President Mike Pence this weekend tested positive for the coronavirus in June, according to Facebook posts and internal church emails reviewed by BuzzFeed News.
An additional orchestra member had symptoms several days after being exposed and was awaiting a test result in mid-June, according to a call for prayers sent to the church’s musicians.
None of those six people were at the First Baptist church in Dallas during Pence’s hour-and-a-half-hour visit on Sunday, but it is unclear how many of the musicians who performed for Pence may have been exposed during previous practices and performances with those who were infected…
…The choir and orchestra performed for Pence without masks, according to a video of the event reviewed by BuzzFeed News.
One of the church’s music directors – who himself has been quarantined after testing positive for the virus – wrote an email informing the church’s musicians that choir members would not wear masks while singing…
…The event came just one day before the Texas Department of State Health Services reported more than 5,900 COVID-19 hospitalizations, an all-time high for the state, and as Dallas reported a record high day for cases. Gov. Greg Abbott, who aggressively pushed to reopen the state in May but rolled back his plan last week after cases surged, sat alongside Pence in the church’s pews…
The BuzzFeed News article includes a photo of Vice President Pence standing behind a podium at the First Baptist Church. In the photo, Pence is taking off his mask right before speaking.
July 2, 2020: Multiple Secret Service agents tasked with planning Vice President Pence’s trip to Arizona this week were reportedly removed from the trip after showing signs of coronavirus infection.
As many as 10 Secret Service and other law enforcement agents working on the trip were replaced after showing symptoms of the virus and at least one tested positive for the disease. The Hill (who got this information from The Washington Post).
July 2, 2020: Someone posted a tweet on Herman Cain’s Twitter account on his behalf. The tweet said: “We are sorry to announce that Herman Cain has tested positive for COVID-19, and is currently receiving treatment in an Atlanta-area hospital. Please keep him and all who are battling this virus, in your prayers.”
The tweet included a full statement. Part of the statement said:
“On Monday, June 29, Herman Cain was informed that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
By Wednesday, July 1, Mr. Cain had developed symptoms serious enough that he required hospitalization.
He spent the past night in the hospital and as of today, Thursday July 2, he is resting comfortably in an Atlanta-area hospital. Mr. Cain did not require a respirator, and he is awake and alert….”
July 3, 2020: Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of President Trump’s oldest son, has contracted the coronavirus.
Sergio Gor, chief of staff to the Trump campaign’s finance committee, says Guilfoyle was immediately isolated after the positive result to limit exposure. He says she will be retested to confirm the diagnosis because she isn’t showing any signs of COVID-19, the disease the virus causes. Gor says Guilfoyle is doing well and canceling her public events.
Gor says Donald Trump Jr. tested negative but is self-isolating as a precaution. He is also canceling his public events.
The couple was in South Dakota to hold fundraisers for Trump’s reelection. Trump is giving a pre-Fourth of July speech at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Associated Press
July 3, 2020: HuffPost posted an article titled: “Pence’s Arizona Trip was Delayed After Secret Service Agents Contracted Virus: Reports”. It was writen by Sara Boboltz. From the article:
Vice President Mike Pence delayed his trip to Arizona this week due to several Secret Service agents contracting COVID-19 or displaying symptoms of the disease, according to multiple reports.
Pence was originally scheduled to visit the state on Tuesday, but went on Wednesday instead so that other, healthier, Secret Service agents could accompany him.
An unnamed official with knowledge of the matter told The Washington Post that the agency urged the vice president to delay his trip on Monday night. Eight to 10 people from sister agencies who were also helping to prepare for the trip displayed signs of the illness, as well, according to the Post…
…Arizona is among several states that have seen an alarming surge in COVID-19 infections over the past month. Currently, Arizona has had more than 87,000 reported cases with only around 10,000 recoveries – a figure that indicates the number still battling the virus. More than 1,700 people have died of the coronavirus in the state…
…Meanwhile, the U.S. passed another grim milestone on Thursday, soaring past 55,000 new coronavirus cases reported in a single day.
July 4, 2020: AZ Central posted an article titled: “Reports: Secret Service agents at Pence, Trump events in Phoenix test positive for virus”. It was written by Kathy Tulumello. From the article:
Secret Service agents who were preparing for Vice President Mike Pence’s visit to Phoenix earlier this week fell ill with COVID-19, as did agents working at the president’s rally eight days before, according to media reports.
CNN reported Friday that several agents working on the Pence visit got sick, as did several agents who became infected while getting ready for President Donald Trump’s June 23 event in Phoenix.
The crowd for Trump was mostly unmasked.
The Washington Post reported Thursday that Pence’s visit to Arizona, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed a day so that healthy agents could be available for his visit. The trip, which originally had called for public events, became a quick drop-in to support state officials battling a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Both news agencies cited unnamed sources.
Secret Service agents are sworn to protect the president, vice president and other high-profile officials.
Agents also were on the ground in South Dakota preparing for Trump’s speech Friday at Mount Rushmore…
…Trump’s June 23 visit to the state, his third in five months, underscored the state’s status as a battleground state in the presidential election.
In Phoenix, he spent fewer than 10 minutes of his 1½ hour speech discussing the new coronavirus, and the crowd of about 3,000 supporters appeared similarly disinterested in dwelling on the pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Both Maricopa County and Phoenix have enacted ordinances requiring masks in public places.
Most of the attendees who packed into Dream City Church in north Phoenix did not wear face coverings. Nor did any of the event speakers, including the president.
During his speech, the president repeatedly assured his crowd that the U.S. was at “the end of the pandemic.” …
…Kimberly Guilfoyle, a Trump campaign official and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the president’s event at Mount Rushmore.
Guilfoyle attended the Trump event in Phoenix, which was 10 days before her positive test. The incubation period for COVID-19 can be up to 14 days.
Before coming to Arizona, Trump spoke at a June 20 rally in Tulsa, where Secret Service agents also reportedly tested positive for the virus.
July 4, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “National Park Service staff working Mount Rushmore event weren’t required to get tested, agency says.” It was written by Ali Main, Betsy Klein and Veronica Stracqualursi. From the article:
The National Park Service says it did not require employees who worked the Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore on Friday to get tested for coronavirus, despite the record-high new cases in the US and President Donald Trump’s attendance at the event.
“None of the Incident Management Team members for the event have reported exhibiting any symptoms or feeling unwell,” agency spokesperson Dana Soehn said in a statement Saturday. CNN reported that some Park Service staff were wearing masks and others were not at the Friday event in South Dakota. There was no social distancing at the event as attendees were clustered together in stadium seating.
Soehn said face masks were available to all Park Service employees who worked the event and use was recommended at all times when social distancing could not be maintained.
Soehn added that the agency is following US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for health monitoring of the work force and that Department of Interior “employees are encouraged to conduct daily self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19 using the CDC symptom webpage or the CDC Self-Checker, and to not report to the workplace if they exhibit any symptoms or feeling unwell.”,,,
…The CDC says that outdoor spaces are less risky than indoor areas for Covid-19 spread, but still encourages standing 6 feet apart from others and to avoid crowded parks…
July 4, 2020: Bozeman Daily Chronicle posted an article titled: “Multiple Republican candidates self-quarantining after possible COVID-19 exposure”. It was written by Melissa Loveridge. From the article:
A Donald Trump campaign fundraising event last week in Gallatin County potentially exposed multiple Montana Republicans to COVID-19, including the wife and running mate of gubernatorial candidate and congressman Greg Gianforte.
Gianforte himself did not attend the event, but his wife Susan Gianforte and lieutenant governor candidate Kristen Juras did. Republican congressional candidate and state auditor Matt Rosendale and state auditor candidate Troy Downing were also there.
On July 1, Juras posted a photo on her campaign Facebook page posing less than 6 feet away and without masks with Susan, Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle. In the photo’s caption, Juras wrote that the photo was taken the night before, on June 30.
Guilfoyle tested positive for the coronavirus on July 3, as reported by the New York Times. The Times reported she was not experiencing symptoms.
A Gianforte campaign spokesperson confirmed that Juras and Susan attended the event, but that Gianforte was in Washington, D.C., because Congress was in session.
“Since learning of their potential exposure, Greg, Susan, and Kristen have adhered to recommended guidelines. Out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of others, they will self-quarantine, be tested for COVID-19, and suspend in-person campaign events pending test results,” the spokesperson said.
Downing’s campaign manager Sam Loveridge confirmed Downing attended the event. Loveridge said in an email that neither Downing nor his staff were ever in “close proximity” with Guilfoyle
“Out of an abundance of caution, Troy Downing will be tested as soon as possible and will avoid personal contact and all public functions until a negative test result can be confirmed,” Loveridge said in an email…
Rosendale’s campaign manager Shelby DeMars confirmed he had attended the event. DeMars said Rosendale and his wife both quarantined immediately after learning that Guilfoyle tested positive and are waiting for test results.
Elsie Arntzen, Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, tweeted that she had also been exposed to the illness and is quarantining and awaiting test results.
July 4, 2020: Congressional candidate and Montana State Auditor Matt Rosendale tweeted: “STATEMENT FROM THE ROSENDALE CAMPAIGN: “On Tuesday Matt and Jean Rosendale attended an event where they were in contact with Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has tested positive for COVID-19. Immediately upon learning of their potential exposure both Matt and Jean self isolated and…
The next tweet in the short thread said: “…are awaiting their results. While neither Matt nor Jean are experiencing any symptoms, out of an abundance of caution, they are self-quarantining for 14 days and will be suspending in-person campaign events during that period.” #mtpol #mtal”
July 5, 2020: Houston Chronicle posted the following information:
If President Donald Trump decides to hold a campaign rally in Arkansas, the state will insist that all participants are socially distanced and wear masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Sunday.
Hutchinson’s comments on NBC’s “Meet the Press” follow Trump rallies in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and at an Arizona megachurch, as well as an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore, where most of the thousands of participants flouted public safety guidelines on maintaining a safe distance and wearing masks.
“You can’t stop every activity, but you have to be in a controlled environment in which you do protect yourself and others and take it seriously,” the governor said, adding that a lot of public celebrations for the July Fourth holiday were cancelled in his state “to minimize that exposure.”
“Obviously, I would like to have seen more face coverings there in order to set an example,” he said of Friday’s event in South Dakota.
And if the president wanted to host a rally in Arkansas?
“There would have to be social distancing and wearing of masks if you can’t social distance,” Hutchinson said. “You have to follow our guidelines and that’s what we would insist upon.”…
July 6, 2020: President Donald Trump is set to hold an outdoor rally Saturday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, according to the president’s campaign.
The campaign rally at Portsmouth International Airport will come three weeks after an indoor rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the president’s first of the COVID-19 era, drew a smaller than expected crowd amid concerns of rising infections in the region.
The Trump campaign’s announcement of the Portsmouth rally noted that “There will be ample hand sanitizer and all attendees will be provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear.” Many people at Trump’s rally in Tulsa skipped wearing masks, and relatively few masks were seen during his speech at South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore last Friday. Associated Press
July 6, 2020: The Hill posted the following information:
Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn (R) announced Sunday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
Gunn said in a video posted on his Facebook page that he sought a test after coming into contact with another lawmaker who had also been diagnosed with the virus…
…The lawmaker, who did not identify the other House member who tested positive for the virus, said he had reached out to anyone he was in close contact with to tell them he had tested positive. He also called on anyone experiencing symptoms to also self-quarantine and notify anyone they’ve been in contact with if they test positive…
…Mississippi lawmakers met for much of June, sometimes wearing masks and sometimes not, and frequently sat together in close proximity in committee rooms while discussing the ultimately successful proposal to remove the Confederate battle flag from the state flag, The Associated Press reported…
July 6, 2020: New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu posted a press release titled: “Governor Chris Sununu Statement on President Trump Rally”. From the press release:
Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement regarding the President’s upcoming rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
“As Governor I will always welcome the President of the United States to New Hampshire,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “I am pleased to see the campaign will be handing out face masks and hand sanitizer to all attendees, as has been true at all public gatherings in NH where social distancing is hard to maintain. It is imperative that folks attending the rally wear masks.”
From the outset of this pandemic, the State has not stopped or prevented individuals from peacefully assembling, including marches led by Black Lives Matter and protests from Reopen NH.
The Governor’s schedule is still being finalized. In the past, the Governor has greeted the President upon arrival at the airport. If the Governor greets the President at the airport, he will be wearing a mask.
July 6, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “South Dakota governor flew with Trump on Air Force One after being exposed to coronavirus: report”. It was written by Aris Folley. From the article:
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) flew with President Trump on Air Force One on Friday after having close interactions with Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior advisor for the president’s campaign and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., who has tested positive for COVID-19, The Associated Press reported on Monday.
According to the news agency, the governor interacted with Guilfoyle, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, during a campaign fundraiser in South Dakota on Thursday. The two had also reportedly been seen hugging at one point during Guilfoyle’s visit to the state last week.
Noem’s office told to The Hill on Monday that the governor tested negative for COVID-19 on Friday after interacting with Guilfoyle at the fundraiser on Thursday…
…While on the plane to Washington, D.C., with Trump on Friday, Noem did not wear a mask, a spokeswoman for her office, Maggie Seidel, told the AP. Seidel was also reportedly asked about potential risks to the president from Noem’s presence on the plane on Friday.
July 6, 2020: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is reportedly in the running to become the running mate to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, said Monday she has tested positive for the coronavirus…
…She later said on CNN that one of her children has also tested positive. In the interview, Bottom said she had recently experienced symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, including a headache and a mild dry cough, and did not initially recognize them as signs of Covid-19″.
“I don’t have any idea how we were exposed,” she said. “I’m stunned.”… CNBC
July 6, 2020: Rep. Ben McAdams (D-Utah) tweeted: “I had to get a Covid test in advance of a medical checkup. I thought I’d share what it’s like. It’s been three months since I was in the hospital with Covid-19. As expected, the test was negative. If you have symptoms, please get tested. The test isn’t as bad as it looks #utpol”. The tweet included a video of Rep. Ben McAdams getting tested for coronavirus.
July 7, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro tests positive for Covid-19 after months of dismissing the seriousness of the virus”. It was written by Marcia Reverdosa, Rodrigo Pedroso, and Tara John. From the article:
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for Covid-19, following months of downplaying the virus.
Bolsonaro himself announced the result, speaking on Brazilian TV channels Tuesday. “Everyone knew that it would reach a considerable part of the population sooner or later. It was positive for me,” he said, referring to the Covid-19 test he took Monday.”
“On Sunday, I wasn’t feeling very well. On Monday, it got worse when I started feeling tired and some muscle pain. I also had a 38-degree [Celsius] fever. Given those symptoms, the presidential doctor said there was suspicion of Covid-19,” Bolsonaro said, adding that he then went to hospital to receive a lung scan.
He said that his wife, First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro was also tested.
In an interview with CNN Brasil following his diagnosis, Bolsonaro said he would steer clear of in-person meetings in the near future. “I’m not going to see anyone for meetings. Everything will be done via video conference and I will rarely meet people if I need to deal with more reserved matter,” he said…
…More than 65,000 people have now died of the virus in Brazil, according to figures released by the country’s health ministry on Monday. So far, 1,623,284 cases have been confirmed. With coronavirus tests hard to come by in the country, some local experts say the real number of people infected could be 12 to 16 times higher…
July 8, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “Trump rally likely contributed to surge in COVID-19 cases, Tulsa health official says”. It was written by Will Steakin and Olivia Rubin. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in late June, as well as the accompanying counterprotests, likely contributed to the area’s recent spike in coronavirus cases, Tulsa City-County Health Department Director Dr. Bruce Dart said Wednesday.
“In the past few days, we’ve seen almost 500 new cases, and we had several large events just over two weeks ago, so I guess we just connect the dots,” Dart said at a press conference.
Dart, who said prior to the rally he’d recommended it be postponed over health concerns, added on Wednesday that “significant events in the past few weeks” had “more than likely contributed” to Tulsa County’s surge in cases.
Tulsa County reported 261 new cases on Tuesday, a new record high. The state also broke records this week with 858 new cases on Tuesday and 673 on Wednesday…
…Hospitals in the area are also beginning to report strain. Hillcrest HealthCare System, a major provider in Oklahoma with two hospitals in Tulsa, is nearly at capacity.
“We are running at 90-95% inpatient capacity in our Hillcrest Tulsa metro hospitals and ICUs,” Dr. Guy Sneed, the chief medical officer at Hillcrest HealthCare System, told ABC News. “Many of our COVID patients are very sick and require ICU services, including mechanical ventilator support. Some are also requiring ECMO services.”
“So, the strain on our existing hospital resources remains high, as it does for the other Tulsa area acute care hospitals,” he added.
In the lead-up to last month’s event, health experts raised concerns that the president’s rally could end up being a dangerous event in terms of possible infections. “I’m really very concerned about this event being a superspreader-type event where there will be potentially many people coming out of this who were exposed and could become sick from COVID-19,” Dr. Lena Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University told ABC News…
July 8, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Kimberly Guilfoyle reports being asymptomatic and ‘feeling really pretty good’ after COVID-19 diagnosis”. It was written by Marina Pitofsky. From the article:
Kimberly Guilfoyle, a top fundraiser for President Trump’s reelection campaign and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., revealed Wednesday event that she is feeling “really pretty good” after she tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.
Guilfoyle told the Trump campaign’s online show “The Right View” that “I’m doing my best and following my doctor’s orders.”…
July 10, 2020: Bloomberg posted an article titled: “Snack Food Executive to Host Trump Fundraiser With Virus Spreading”. It was written by Justin Sink, Jennifer Jacobs, and Mario Parker.
President Donald Trump is heading to coronavirus-stricken Florida for a high-dollar campaign fundraiser hosted in Hillsboro Beach by Troy Link, chief executive of Link Snacks, Inc.
The event is expected to bring in about $10 million for the president’s re-election, according to a person familiar with the event. A spokeswoman for the snack food company, known for offbeat ads pitching its beef-jerky, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The fundraiser — with tickets setting supporters back $580,600 per couple, according to the Washington Post, — comes after Trump was outraised by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden for two consecutive months. The former vice president banked $141 million in June, according to his campaign, besting Trump’s $131 million haul.
But the President’s visit to Florida also coincides with a surge in coronavirus cases in the state, where Republicans will gather for their party convention next month. On Thursday, Florida’s Department of Health announced 8,935 new cases, bringing the state’s total to over 230,000. In Miami-Dade, County some 92% of intensive care hospitals are full…
…Trump’s visit will also include a stop at U.S. Southern Command in Doral, where he’ll be briefed on recent efforts to intensify drug interdiction in the Caribbean Sea and east Pacific Coast…
July 14, 2020: The NSC Twitter account posted a tweet: “Very productive meeting with my #French, #German, #Italian, and #UK counterparts. We discussed the major threats and challenges facing the United States and #Europe, as well as new ways to work together in the post-#COVID19 world”.
The tweet included a photo of five men in suits standing close together for the photo. None of them are wearing masks.
July 14, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “House GOP lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Cristina Marcos. From the article:
Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) revealed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, making him the ninth member of Congress with a confirmed or presumed case.
Griffith’s office said in a statement that he took a coronavirus test over the weekend after “developing possible symptoms” and has since been self-isolating.
“Although he does not currently have significant symptoms, he will continue to self-isolate as he performs his duties on behalf of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District,” the statement said.
Griffith’s diagnosis comes five days after he participated in a press conference on Capitol Hill with members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus to push for reopening schools in the fall amid the coronavirus pandemic despite safety concerns from educators and some parents.
Griffith wore a mask for parts of the press conference, which was held outdoors, but took it off to speak before the cameras…
July 14, 2020: Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) posted a press release on his official website titled: “Griffith Tests Positive for Coronavirus”. From the press release:
Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today was informed that he tested positive for COVID-19. Upon developing possible symptoms, he took the test and has since been self-isolating. Although he does not currently have significant symptoms, he will continue to self-isolate as he performs his duties on behalf of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.
July 15, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “Brazil’s Bolsonaro gets new positive coronavirus test result”. It was written by Mauricio Savarese. From the article:
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said Wednesday he has tested positive for the new coronavirus for a second time, following his July 7 announcement that he had COVID-19.
“I did the test yesterday, and at night the result came back that I am still positive for coronavirus,” Bolsonaro said. “I hope that in the coming days I will do another test and, God willing, everything will be all right to return soon to activity.”
The far-right leader said he hasn’t experienced serious symptoms of the disease as he isolates at the presidential residence in capital of Brasilia.
According to the World Health Organization, the median time from onset to clinical recovery for mild cases is approximately two weeks.
Before his diagnosis, Bolsonaro had spent many of his weekends since the beginning of the pandemic mingling in crowds, sometimes without wearing a mask. He is treating his COVID-19 with the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, although it has not been proven effective against the virus.
Brazil, the world’s sixth most-populous nation and home to 210 million people, is one of the outbreak’s epicenters. More than 75,000 Brazilians have died from COVID-19, and almost 2 million have been infected, according to government statistics. Both numbers are the world’s second-highest totals, behind those of the U.S…
July 16, 2020: Tulsa World posted an article titled: “Watch Now: Kevin Stitt ‘pretty shocked’ to be first governor to test positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Barbara Hoberock. From the article:
Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first nation’s governor to contract the virus but remaining steadfast against a mask mandate.
The news comes the same day the state recorded 1,075 new cases, a record for a single day. Wednesday marked the first day that Oklahoma’s daily new case count exceeded 1,000. There have been 22,813 confirmed cases of the disease since early March…
…Stitt said he got his positive test result around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Stitt earlier that day had chaired a meeting of the Commissioners of the Land Office.
Three of the five members and Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, met in executive session to discuss a new leader for the agency.
The governor was asked Wednesday about the meeting, where Stitt did not wear a mask.
McBride on Wednesday said he has canceled his upcoming events and plans to get tested.
The other two members were Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Agriculture Secretary Blayne Arthur.
In a Facebook post, Pinnell said he would be retested for COVID-19 and would continue quarantining and working from home until he has results. He reported having no symptoms currently.
“No one in Oklahoma can say they don’t know anyone who has had it,” Pinnell said in his post. “We all know someone now and it should absolutely be taken seriously.”
Arthur was notified Tuesday during the contact tracing process and is quarantining and working remotely, according to the Governor’s Office.
Stitt’s office was asked for his schedule for the last two weeks. Baylee Lakey, a spokeswoman, said the request would have to be processed under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Stitt’s office has been slow to respond to requests under the act…
…Stitt said he was “not thinking about a mask mandate at all.”
“I am just hesitant to mandate something that is problematic to enforce,” the governor said.
He said his wife and six children have tested negative for the virus.
Stitt said he will be quarantining at home and conducting more meetings by videoconference.
He said he does not second-guess his personal choices not to wear a mask despite testing positive.
Stitt on June 20 attended a campaign rally in Tulsa at the BOK Center for President Donald Trump.
The event attracted at least 6,200 people to the facility, which has 19,000 seats.
The majority of people in attendance were not wearing masks. The state’s Republican Congressional delegation, some of whom wore masks, attended…
…Stitt also attended the funeral service last week for Tulsa police Sgt. Craig Johnson, who died after being shot during a traffic stop on June 30.
Stitt was asked Wednesday whether his exposure likely came from the Trump rally, where he did not wear a mask. Stitt and Health Commissioner Lance Frye said the event was too long ago, adding that the exposure could have been at any point in the past two weeks…
June 18, 2020: Media Matters posted an article titled: “Vice President Mike Pence lied about Oklahoma’s coronavirus cases to defend Trump’s rally. Local TV newscasts mostly ignored it.” It was written by Zachary Pleat. From the article:
News programs broadcast in Oklahoma from dozens of television stations failed to cover a lie Vice President Mike Pence told about the state’s rising rate of coronavirus infections to defend a decision by President Donald Trump’s campaign to hold a rally in Tulsa on Saturday.
On June 15, Pence said at a televised White House roundtable that Oklahoma has “flattened the curve. And today their hospital capacity is abundant, the number of cases in Oklahoma has declined precipitously and we feel very confident going forward with the rally this coming weekend.” The Daily Beast, citing a tweet from CNN reporter Daniel Dale which showed a recent surge in new coronavirus cases reported in the state, quickly explained that Pence “blatantly lied to reporters about the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma, where President Trump is scheduled to hold a large campaign rally on Saturday.”
July 20, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Two Brazilian ministers test positive for coronavirus in a day”. It was written by Rodrigo Pedroso. From the article:
Two Brazilian ministers have tested positive for the coronavirus in one day, following in the footsteps of President Jair Bolsonaro and three other high-ranking government officials.
Brazil’s Minister of Citizenship Onyx Lorenzoni announced that he had tested positive for Covid-19 just hours before Milton Ribiero, Minister of Education, revealed that he was also infected.
In a series of tweets, Lorenzoni wrote that he was tested after he began to show symptoms last Friday. He said he had started the so-called “Covid kit” treatment, a cocktail of drugs promoted by some medical doctors who back Bolsonaro’s claim that it’s an effective treatment in the early stages of the novel coronavirus…
…The Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases (SBI), in a report published Friday, urged medical professionals to stop using hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus, because it has been proved ineffective and can cause collateral damage.
A week earlier, Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency ANVISA, which regulates pharmaceuticals, released a statement saying there is no conclusive proof that ivermectin is effective as Covid-19 treatment.
The other minister, Ribeiro tweeted on Monday: “I’ve just received a positive Covid-19 result this morning. I am already medicated, and I’ll work remotely,” but did not specify which medication he is taking. He is working from a hotel in the capital Brasília, the minister’s press officer told CNN Brasil.
Brazil has now recorded more than two million cases and almost 80,000 deaths, more than any country except the United States, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University…
…In March, after returning from a trip to the US for meetings between Bolsonaro and US President Donald Trump, Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque and Institutional Security Minister General Augusto Heleno both tested positive for the coronavirus, along with Bolsonaro’s communication secretary Fabio Wajngarten, and another 15 members of the Brazilian delegation…
July 22, 2020: NBC News posted an article titled: “White House executive office cafeteria closed after positive coronavirus test”. It was written by Josh Lederman. From the article:
The White House is conducting contact tracing after a cafeteria worker tested positive for coronavirus, three Trump administration officials tell NBC News.
The cafeteria and an eatery in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, or EEOB, were both closed this week after the case was discovered, officials said. It was unclear how long the facility will remain closed, although some staffers were told it could remain shuttered for two weeks…
…Part of the White House complex, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building sits just across West Executive Ave. from the West Wing. It houses the offices of much of the senior White House staff, including officials from the coronavirus task force, the vice president’s office, the National Security Council and several economic policy shops.
Unlike the White House Mess, which is located inside the West Wing and run by the U.S. Navy, the cafeteria and an Ike’s Eatery in the neighboring EEOB are run by a government contractor. The White House referred questions about the situation to the General Services Administration, which maintains the building.
“All proper protocols were in place by the vendor including masks, gloves, plastic shielding at check out, and no dine-in service,” a GSA spokesperson said. “The White House Medical Unit has done contact tracing and determined that the risk of retransmission is low.”
The GSA did not say how many staffers might have been potentially exposed at the commissary or how long it will remain closed…
…Several White House officials and others in close proximity to the president have previously tested positive for coronavirus, leading to contact tracing efforts by the White House in the past. Although the White House recently ended regular temperature checks for all those entering the White House grounds, those coming into close proximity to the president are still given COVID-19 rapid tests at the White House.
July 23, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “DC investigator finds no Covid-related violations at Trump International Hotel”. It was written by Katelyn Polantz and Caroline Kelly. From the article:
A Washington, DC, investigator inspected President Donald Trump’s Washington hotel on Wednesday and found no violations of Covid-related regulations after images emerged of the President and others not wearing masks in the hotel’s lobby earlier in the week.
The agency says it will continue to monitor the Trump International Hotel’s compliance with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser’s regulations, which include the mandatory wearing of masks when inside businesses or the common areas of hotels…
…Jared Powell, spokesman for DC’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, which investigates complaints about businesses not following the Covid-19 protection policy, told CNN that “during the inspection, guests and staff were observed to be wearing face masks and coverings in compliance with the Mayor’s Order.”
“Reports are only generated when violations are observed in person by an investigator,” Powell added. ABRA will continue to monitor the establishment for compliance.”…
…The President attended “a roundtable with supporters of a joint fundraising committee,” according to the White House, at the hotel on Monday night. Footage later surfaced of Trump not wearing a mask in the hotel’s lobby.”…
…Per a Republican National Committee spokesperson prior to the fundraiser, it was slated to raise $5 million for Trump Victory, his joint fundraising operation with the RNC and state party committees.
July 23, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Two cafeterias used by White House staff closed after positive coronavirus test”. It was written by Justin Wise. From the article:
A pair of cafeterias regularly used by White House staff members were reportedly closed this week after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
An anonymous Trump administration official told The New York Times on Wednesday that the White House notified staffers about the closures, but said there wasn’t any reason for them to self-quarantine. The cafeterias were in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the New Executive Office Building, neither of which are located next to the West Wing.
The worker who contracted the coronavirus is said to be a cafeteria employee, according to reports from NBC News and CNN.
The White House did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill.
In addition to the closures, the White House reportedly conducted contact tracing for staffers who may have been in contact with the employee. Staff have reportedly been advised to monitor themselves for possible symptoms and remain home if they feel sick…
July 27, 2020: CNBC posted an article titled: “Trump national security advisor Robert O’Brien tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Kevin Breuniger. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s national security advisor, Robert O’Brien, has tested positive for coronavirus.
O’Brien has “mild symptoms and has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site,” the White House said in a statement Monday.
“There is no risk of exposure to the President or the Vice President. The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted,” the White House said.
O’Brien, 54, is among the highest-ranking members in Trump’s orbit reported to have come down with the virus…
…The White House has said that Trump is regularly tested, as are all officials who come into close contact with the president and vice president.
O’Brien earlier this month had traveled to Europe to meet with officials from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy. He was photographed on that trip in close proximity with his European counterparts, none of whom appeared to be wearing masks during meetings, photos from the NCS’s official Twitter account show…
July 27, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Trump’s national security adviser tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Joan E. Greve, Julian Borger, and Ed Pilkington. From the article:
The national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, has tested positive for the coronavirus, but the White House insisted there was “no risk” of Donald Trump being exposed.
However, O’Brien recently returned from a trip to Europe where he was photographed without wearing a mask or social distancing, with several foreign officials, including his UK counterpart, Mark Sedwill; the UK ambassador to France, Edward Llewellyn; and the French national security adviser, Emmanuel Bonne…
The photographs referred to in the article from The Guardian were posted on the NSC twitter account on July 15, 2020. The tweet said: “Great to see #UK NSA @marksedwill today. We discussed important bilateral and global topics, including #HongKong, #China, #5G security, and #Iran. The U.S.-UK Special Relationship endures”.
The tweet included two photos. One was a group of eight people sitting around a table and having a meal together indoors. The other was a photo of standing close two four other people, some of whom appears to be in the photo with O’Brien that was posted by the NSC Twitter account on July 14, 2020.
July 27 2020: Tulsa World posted an article titled: “Oklahoma Gov. Kivin Stitt says he has recovered from COVID-19”. It was written by Harrison Grimwood. From the article:
Oklahoma’s chief executive reported Monday that he has returned to work about 12 days after testing positive for the new coronavirus.
Gov. Kevin Stitt announced on July 15 that he tested positive for COVID-19…
…Stitt said he quickly quarantined and sought testing and recommended that Oklahomans react similarly should they see symptoms set in.
He announced his positive test result on the same day Oklahoma first reported more than a thousand new cases of COVID-19 in any given day. And Stitt announced his return to work Monday, the highest day yet for case counts in Oklahoma at 1,401 new cases.
The disease can be deadly, with 496 Oklahomans having died from it thus far, Stitt’s only symptoms, he said, were fatigue and achiness.
Public health officials recommend that patients isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms and quarantine until they are without a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines…
July 29, 2020: Politico posted an article titled: “Louie Gohmert, who refused to wear a mask, tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Jake Sherman.
Rep. Louis Gohmert – a Texas Republican who has been walking around the Capitol without a mask – he tested positive for the coronavirus, according to multiple sources.
Gohmert was scheduled to fly to Texas on Wednesday morning with President Donald Trump and tested positive in a pre-screen at the White House. The eight-term Republican told CNN last month that he was not wearing a mask because he was being tested regularly for the coronavirus.
“[I]f I get it,” he told CNN in June, “you’ll never see me without a mask.”…
…Gohmert attended Tuesday’s blockbuster House Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General William Barr in person, where lawmakers were seated at some distance from one another.
But footage from before the hearing shows Gohmert and Barr walking together in close contact, with neither wearing a mask.
Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said Barr will be tested for coronavirus on Wednesday.
At one point in Tuesday’s hearing, Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) chastised several Republicans for taking off their masks, though Gohmert was not among those he scolded…
…Connie Hair, Gohmert’s chief of staff, declined comment. But after this article was published, Gohmert told his aides in person that he had been infected…
July 29, 2020: Representative Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) tweeted: “I want to wish @replouiegohmert a full & speedy recovery. When individuals refuse to take the necessary precautions it puts everyone at risk. I’ve regularly instructed all Members to wear their masks had hope this is a lesson by all my colleagues.” The tweet included a link to the Politico article.
July 29, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Multiple lawmakers self-quarantine after exposure to Gohmert”. From the article:
At least two lawmakers said Wednesday that they will self-quarantine after recently being around Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas) said her decision to self-quarantine came after she sat next to Gohmert on a flight from their home state over the weekend.
Rep Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, also said he will self quarantine after chairing a hearing that Gohmert attended on Tuesday.
Gohmert tested positive for coronavirus while he was being screened at the White House ahead of a planned trip to Texas with President Trump on Wednesday.
The Texas Republican had attended multiple hearings on Capitol Hill the previous day, including the Natural Resources Committee hearing about the Park Police’s handling of protesters at Lafayette Square last month and a Judiciary hearing with Attorney General William Barr…
…A spokesperson for Granger said she was “seated next to Representative Gohmert on a flight from Texas Sunday evening. At the direction of the Attending Physician, and out of an abundance of caution, she is self-quarantining.”..
…A spokesperson for Barr said earlier Wednesday that the attorney general will be tested for COVID-19 after being near Gohmert.
And at least one member of the Capitol press corps, a reporter for Bloomberg News, also got tested on Wednesday after an encounter with Gohmert…
July 29, 2020: Reporter for Bloomberg Erik Wasson tweeted: “In line for covid testing after Gohmert encounter”. The tweet included a photo of himself outside, wearing a mask, and standing in a socially-distanced line of people who were all waiting for a coronavirus test.
July 29, 2020: Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) tweeted a thread that started with this tweet: “On Monday, I had dinner with my good friend, Rep. Gohmert. While I feel healthy, exhibit no symptoms, and have otherwise followed mask and social distancing guidelines, the attending physician has advised that I should self-quarantine for 14 days out of an abundance of caution.”
The tweet included a three-minute and fourty-four second video from Fox News of Rep. Mike Johnson speaking at the House Judiciary Committee hearing on “Big Tech Executives on Alleged Bias Against Conservatives.”
Rep. Mike Johnson is not wearing a mask in that video. The majority of the video is two other people talking about the hearing.
The second tweet said: “Recognizing the seriousness of this virus & the danger it poses to high-risk individuals I began following the attending physician’s recommendation immediately. Should the attending physician recommend at any point that I take a COVID-19 test, I will follow that guideance as well.”
The third tweet in the thread said: “In the meantime, I plan to continue my work on behalf of the people of Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District while in isolation and, as always, I encourage constituents to reach out to my office if they need anything.”
July 29, 2020: Politico posted an article titled: “Turning Point USA co-founder dies of coronavirus-related complications”. It was written by Daniel Lippman and Tina Nguyen. From the article:
The co-founder of conservative student group Turning Point USA, Bill Montgomery, has died from complications of the coronavirus, according to two friends of his.
Montgomery, who started it in 2012 with young conservative star Charlie Kirk, died at the age of 80 on Tuesday from Covid-19, according to pro-Trump conservative strategist Caleb Hull, who posted about the death on Twitter and his personal Facebook page, and Chicago-based citizen journalist Vic Maggio…
…Montgomery is survived by his widow, Edie, a son and a daughter.
Over the course of the pandemic, Turning Point USA representative have downplayed the impact of the coronavirus on public life…
…In late June, Trump spoke to a packed audience of young Turning Point supporters at a megachurch in Phoenix where he was introduced by Kirk. Few people in the audience practiced social distancing or wore masks, although the organization gave masks to everyone who wanted one and provided socially distanced seating in the upper tier of the church…
June 29, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Tuberville breaks DC self-quarantine policy to campaign”. It was written by Rebecca Klar. From the article:
Alabama Republican State candidate Tommy Tuberville appears to have broken the D.C. policy requiring visitors from states with high coronavirus case counts to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Tuberville defied the District’s requirement during a fundraising trip in D.C. this week, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.
The Post cited a photo Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) posted to Facebook on Tuesday of the two men, neither in a mask, in the lobby of the Trump International Hotel…
…D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) last week announced visitors arriving to the District on nonessential business from hot spot areas will need to quarantine for 14 days. Alabama is one of more than two dozen states on the list…
…Tuberville, the former Auburn University football coach, beat Sessions in a runoff earlier this month. Sessions was running to reclaim his old seat.
…Tuberville will face Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) in November. Joes is considered the most vulnerable Democrat in facing reelection in 2020. The Cook Political Report rates the race as “Lean Republican”…
…The outlet [AL.com] noted that Tuberville wore a maks during his watch party early on the night of his win when he spoke to supporters but did not wear one when he gave his victory speech or when he went into the crowd and posed for photos and for hugs, handshakes and high-fives…
July 29, 2020: Vice President Mike Pence tweeted: “Thank you to Mrs. Combs’ 4th Grade Class! We are so proud and happy to see you all back in school! @Thales_Academy has taken careful steps to keep everyone healthy and we are grateful for the countless hours put in to open the academy and get kids back in the classroom!”
The tweet included four photos from the visit. In the first photo, the teacher is sitting at the front of the classroom with Mike Pence and Betsy DeVos each seated several feet away from each other. The teacher is wearing a mask. Mike Pence and Betsy DeVos are not.
The second photo shows some of the students in the classroom. three are wearing masks. The photographer focused on a child who is incorrectly wearing a mask around his neck. Behind the students are a row of photographers all of whm are wearing masks.
The third photo is very similar to the first one.
The fourth photo is centered on Mike Pence, who is not wearing a mask. He is seated in front of a whiteboard that says “Welcome Vice President Pence!”
July 30, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “Herman Cain, former presidential candidate, dies from coronavirus”. It was written by Grace Segers. From the article:
Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain has died from coronavirus, according to a post on his website. The businessman and right-wing media personality was 74 years old…
…Cain was hospitalized with COVID-19 on June 29…
…Although perhaps most famous for his 2011 presidential campaign, Cain had a long career as a prominent businessman. Cain received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College and his graduate degree from Purdue University, and worked as a ballistic analyst for the U.S. Department of the Navy. He was a business executive at Burger King before he served as chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza from 1986 to 1996. He also served as president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association from 1996 to 1999…
…Cain attended President Trump’s rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 20. The 2012 presidential candidate posted a photo of himself and other rally attendees, none of whom were wearing masks. Although masks were provided to attendees at the rally, wearing them was not mandatory.
Trump campaign officials told CBS News that Cain sat with members of the president’s “Black Voices for Trump” advisory board, as seen in the photo he posted to Twitter, but he did not come in contact with Mr. Trump. The statement posted to Cain’s Twitter account upon his hospitalization said that “there is no way of knowing for sure how or where Mr. Cain contracted the coronavirus.” [Dan] Calabrese also wrote in a column in early July that Cain had also traveled to Arizona, which is dealing with a serious outbreak, in the days after the rally…
July 30, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “My friend Herman Cain, a Powerful Voice of Freedom and all that is good, passed away this morning. Herman had an incredible career and was adored by everyone that ever met him, especially me. He was a very special man, an American Patriot, and great friend. I just got off…”
That tweet was followed by a second tweet: “….the phone with his amazing wife Gloria, daughter Melanie, and son Vincent to express my deepest condolences to the entire family. @FLOTUS Melania and I love Herman Cain, a great man. Herman, Rest In Peace!”
August 3, 2020: WKYC Studios posted an article titled: “People attending President Trump’s fundraiser at Bratenahl’s Shoreby Club will get rapid COVID-19 test: Mark Nayamik Reports”. It was written by Mark Naymik. From the article:
The Shorby Club, the private waterfront haven in Bratenahl, told its members in an email newsletter Sunday that anyone working or attending the fundraiser for President Trump on Aug. 6th will recieve a rapid COVID-19 test.
They must test negative to attend the event, the email reads. The email did not specifically identify the event as the president’s fundraiser. But 3News and others reported last week that Trump is holding a fundraiser at the club on Thursday, though the exact time has not been revealed.
The Shoreby Club email acknowledges members raised health safety concerns over holding such an event.
Though rapid testing is not widely available, the White House has been using such tests to regularly screen those around the president, including the press. In March, Trump showed off a rapid-testing device made by Abbott Labs, which is about the size of a toaster and can produce results in about 15 minutes. It’s unclear what test will be used or what protocol is place for testing guests. The Shoreby Club, which features a large outdoor event space overlooking the water, has not returned a call for comment on the event.
Thursday’s event is a joint fundraiser for Trump’s re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee. Tickets cost a minimum of $5,600. Guests who contribute $100,000 will have more exclusive access to the president and other GOP officials.
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel and RNC Co-Chairman Tommy Hicks are expected to attend the event. Among the Ohio business and civic leaders hosting the event are Debbie and Matt Crawford, Mike Gibbons, Catherine and James Kassouf, Kelly and Mel Kurtz, Lanee and Jason Lucarelli, Jenny and Tim Smucker, Pam and Bill Summers and Tim Timken, according to a copy of the invitation to the event.
August 5, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “Students at school touted by Pence for reopening must quarantine due to COVID-19”. It was written by Ella Torres. From the article:
Fourth graders at a school in North Carolina have been asked to quarantine for 14 days after a student there tested positive for COVID-19.
The school, Thales Academy in Wake Forest, said it was notified on Monday that the student became infected after having contact with an infected family member.
The student was asymptomatic and was last at school on Friday. Teachers who were exposed also will be quarantined.
Thales Academy, a network of private non-sectarian community schools with eight locations in North Carolina, made the news last week after Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited a classroom and applauded the school for reopening.
Pence and DeVos visited a campus in Apex, not Wake Forest…
…Thales welcomed students back July 20. It offered parents two options: fully online or fully in-person, according to ABC Durham affiliate WTVD.
Students had their temperatures taken and completed a medical questionnaire after they were dropped off, according to WTVD. Staff and faculty also reminded students to wear masks.
Because the school network is private, it doesn’t have to adhere to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s school reopening guidelines…
August 5, 2020: WKYC Studios posted an article titled: “Gov. Mike DeWine moves coronavirus briefing to Friday due to President Trump’s planned Ohio visit”. From the article:
Governor Mike DeWine’s office announced the next coronavirus briefing has been delayed a day due to a visit by the president.
President Donald J. Trump is scheduled to visit the Whirlpool plant in Clyde and hold a fundraiser in Bratenahl on Thursday. The Shoreby Club, the private waterfront haven in Bratenahl, told its members in an email newsletter Sunday that anyone working or attending the fundraiser for President Trump on Aug. 6th will receive a rapid COVID-19 test. They must test negative in order to attend the event.
Thursday’s event is a joint fundraiser for Trump’s re-election campaign and the Republican National Committee. Tickets cost a minimum of $5,600. Guests who contribute $100,000 will have more exclusive access to the president and other GOP officials. RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel and RNC Co-Chairman Tommy Hicks are expected to attend the event.
During his visit to the Whirlpool plant, President Trump will tour the plant and speak regarding his administration’s dedication to assist in supporting the manufacturing industry and American-made products.
The governor will greet President Trump when he lands in Ohio…
August 6, 2020: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (Republican) tweeted: “As part of the standard protocal to greet President Trump on the tarmac in Cleveland, I took a COVID test. I tested positive. I have no symptoms at this time. I’m following protocal and will quarantine at home for the next 14 days”. The tweet was posted at 9:34 AM.
August 6, 2020: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (Republican) tweeted: “I tested negative in second test I took today for COVID-19. First Lady Fran DeWine and staff members have also all tested negative for COVID-19. Thanks to all for the well wishes.” This tweet was posted a 7:00 PM.
August 7, 2020: Cleveland.com posted an article titled: “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Andrew J. Tobias. From the article:
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday he has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
DeWine was tested Thursday as part of a standard protocol as he prepared to greet President Donald Trump at the tarmac in at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, according to a news release issued Thursday afternoon by the governor’s office.
Less than 10 hours after the initial announcement, DeWine announced he tested negative for coronavirus. The second round of testing was performed through a more sensitive test called a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test, which detects genetic material from the new coronavirus, the governor’s office said. The earlier test delivers rapid results by testing the blood for antigens, but is a relatively unproven technology…
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, who also was in Cleveland to greet the president, tested negative, according to the governor’s office. Trump is in Ohio to visit the Whirlpool manufacturing plant in Sandusky County and has a fundraiser planned later in Bratenahl.
DeWine has no symptoms, and is returning to Columbus where he will be tested again, as will Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine, the governor’s office said. He then will head to his home in Cedarville where he plans to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Husted, meanwhile, continued with his plans to meet the president on the runway…
…DeWine becomes the second U.S. governor to test positive for COVID-19. Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt tested positive on July 15. He reported to work 12 days later and has declared himself recovered, according to the Tulsa World.
DeWine, a Republican, has become nationally prominent for his cautious approach to dealing with the coronavirus, including being an early advocate for the wearing of facial masks…
…Officials in the governor’s office said it’s unlikely that many other staffers will have to quarantine as a result of the governor’s positive test. DeWine heads to Columbus twice a week for his coronavirus briefings, but generally works from his home in Cedarville. Most of his staff also work from home. So the only other state officials DeWine likely would come in close contact with include Husted, his security detail and staffers who help with the briefings, Tierney said…
August 7, 2020: Cleveland.com (via MSN.com) posted an article titled: “6 workers at Bratenahl club where Donald Trump appeared test positive for coronavirus, but didn’t encounter the president”. It was written by Robert Higgs. From the article:
Six people who work at the Bratenahl club that hosted President Donald Trump on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus but were not at the clube to encounter the president.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Shoreby Club each confirmed the positive tests on Friday and offered assurances that the workers posed no hazard to the president.
Any food with which they might have come in contact was discarded, club General Manager Buddy Kane said in a letter to members. The club, meanwhile, was closed Friday and will be sanitized.
The employees were tested Thursday morning off-site as part of preparations for the event. All were asymptomatic, Kane said in the letter to members.
It is unclear yet, though, how many of the employees actually did contract the virus, Dr. Heidi Gullett, medical director for the county Board of Health, said during a Friday media briefing.
The employees were given a rapid positive antigen test, which yields results quickly, but also can yield false positives.
That was the case for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who was scheduled to welcome the president to Cleveland, but instead returned to his home in Cedarville after getting a positive result from that test…
August 7, 2020: HuffPost posted an article titled: “Trump Calls Maskless Country Club Audience At Press Conference A “Peaceful Protest”. It was written by Sara Ruiz-Grossman. From the article:
President Donald Trump had dozens of guests at a press conference at his club in New Jersey, most of whom didn’t socially distance and some who didn’t wear masks for a time — appearing to flout state rules limiting indoor gatherings amid the pandemic and putting at risk the health of members of the media.
At the news conference held at Trump’s private golf club in Bedminster, which Trump announced late Friday, a reporter noted that Americans continue to die of COVID-19 nationwide, and yet, “in this room, you have dozens of people, you’re not following the guidelines of New Jersey.” New Jersey’s latest order limits indoor gatherings to 25 people in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. More than 40 people can be counted in photos from the news conference.
As the guests booed the reporter, Trump responded: “This is a political activity. You’re wrong on that. They have exceptions, political activity. And it’s also a peaceful protest.”
Under the state’s order, there are exceptions for funerals, religious services and political activity, which can have up to 100 people. Yet Trump had announced this as a news conference, not a campaign rally…
…As reporters waited for the news conference to start, photos showed guests standing close together, many of them without masks on. Later, staff apparently handed out masks to Trump’s guests. The guests reportedly had their temperatures taken prior to the event…
August 7, 2020: White House Correspondent for Bloomberg, Justin Sink tweeted: “there’s currently dozens of unmasked bedminster patrons the president has invited to the bedminster ballroom where he’s scheduled to hold his press conference – a number drinking wine. btw here’s the NJ regulations for golf courses.”
The tweet included a screenshot of the New Jersey regulations for golf courses. From the regulations:
- Limiting the number of patrons in any indoor premises to 25 percent capacity – excluding employees
- Requiring workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings while indoors, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health or where the individual is under two years of age
- If a customer refuses to wear a cloth face covering for non-medical reasons then the business must decline the individual entry into the indoor premises
August 7, 2020: White House Correspondent for Bloomberg, Justin Sink tweeted: “this is the scene”.
The tweet showed a photo of a group of people, some of whom are children, standing behind a temporary barracade of chairs. They are all closely packed together. Four people in the crowd are wearing masks. The rest are not.
August 7, 2020: White House Correspondent for Bloomberg, Justin Sink tweeted: “after the press corps’ tweets, staffers asked audience members to distance more and handed out masks”
August 8, 2020: The Denver Channel posted an article titled: “President Trump signs 4 executive orders aimed at pandemic relief”. From the article:
President Trump signed four executive orders Saturday at his golf resort in Bedminster, New Jersey aimed at helping both working and unemployed Americans during the ongoing pandemic…
…Saturday’s event had the feeling of a political rally by the end, as members of the president’s golf club were able to attend the press briefing. As the president answered some questions from the media, audience members cheered….
August 22, 2020: HuffPost posted an article titled: “QAnon Cultists, Emboldened by Trump, Rally in Hollywood To Spread Dangerous Conspiracies”. It was written by Sebastian Murdock and Jesselyn Cook. From the article:
Hundreds of believers of the dangerous conspiracy theory QAnon rallied in Hollywood on Saturday, just days after President Donald Trump praised the cult-like group.
The demonstration, purported to be about bringing awareness to child sex trafficking, was largely an opportunity for supporters of QAnon to spread various unfounded conspiracy theories; the group has co-opted anti-traffiking messaging to draw more people into its conspiratorial web. Most demonstrators did not wear masks as they marched through Los Angeles, where thousands of people have died from COVID-19…
…Protestors gathered next to an In-N-Out Burger on Sunset Boulevard, where they held a 20-second moment of silence, followed by a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”…
…Multiple protestors who declined to be interviewed by HuffPost later took part in a change of, “Where is the media?”…
…Days later, when asked by a reporter if he supports QAnon, Trump outright embraced the group.
“I don’t know much about the movement, other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate,” Trump said on Wednesday. “I have heard that it is gaining in popularity… I’ve heard these are people who love our country.”
August 26, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Melania Trump Rose Garden speech attendees not all required to get coronavirus tests”. It was written by Jeff Zeleny, Kate Sullivan and Kate Bennet. From the article:
Those who attended first lady Melania Trump’s speech in the White House Rose Garden that capped the second night of the Republican National Convention were not required to get tested for coronavirus, a person who attended the speech told CNN.
There were screening questions on the form to RSVP, but no coronavirus tests or temperature checks were done at the White House, the person said. The Trump campaign said earlier in the day that about 70 people would be attending the speech, which was the first one with an in-person audience at the Republican convention.
Early Wednesday morning, the first lady’s chief of staff Stephanie Grisham told CNN that the audience members “in the rows near the President and vice president” were tested for coronavirus before the speech.
Grisham said most of the guests were not tested, especially those “in the last five or six rows,” but she claims anyone who came into close contact with Trump or Pence — including senior aides, staffers and Melania Trump’s parents — were tested.
The vast majority of those attending did not wear masks, and the chairs provided for attendees did not appear to be placed six feet apart. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises keeping at least six feet apart from others if possible in order to prevent the spread of the virus, and the agency also advocates for face coverings, especially if it is difficult to keep six feet apart from another person…
…The first lady’s speech was attended by President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, second lady Karen Pence and members of Trump’s Cabinet, among others…
August 26, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Democrats press Esper on ‘concerning’ rise in Pentagon’s COVID-19 cases”. It was written by Rebecca Kheel. From the article:
A group of Senate Democrats is reviving its concerns about the Pentagon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a spike in cases in July.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the nine senators called reports of a rise in cases among service members “concerning”.
“We are pleased to see that the department is taking some precautionary measures to address the spread of the virus, but are concerned that the department is still not properly prioritizing the health and well-being of our service members,” they wrote in the letter, dated Wednesday.
As of Wednesday, the Pentagon has reported a total of 53,033 coronavirus cases connected to the department, including 36,600 cases on the military.
There have been a total of 80 deaths reported across the department, including six service members. Of the troops who have died, one was an active-duty sailor, while the others were reservists or National Guardsmen.
The senators specifically highlighted that the number of COVID-19 cases connected to the Pentagon gtrew by more than 21,000 in July, a more than 100 percent increase…
August 27, 2020: Senator Thom Tillis (Republican – North Carolina) tweeted: “I am honored to be in Washington for President @realDonaldTrump’s acceptance speech for the @GOP nomination, where he will share with America our continued vision of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity to live the American Dream. #RNC2020”.
The tweet included a photo of Senator Tillis looking directly into a camera, giving a “thumbs up” and wearing a face mask. Right behind him is a crowd of people, all sitting extremely close together. None of them appear to be wearing masks. A large sign that says “Trump Pence” is in the distance.
August 28, 2020: The Charlotte Observer posted an article titled: “4 people at RNC in Charlotte test positive for COVID, as GOP defends safety measures”. It was written by Alison Kuznitz and Austin Weinstein. From the article:
Two attendees and two local support staff at the Republican National Convention in Charlotte tested positive for COVID-19, Mecklenburg County and GOP officials announced Friday.
The disclosures come after county health officials raised concerns about a lack of social distancing and mask wearing during the roll-call vote to renominate President Donald Trump for a second term on Monday – despite strict health protocols that were supposed to be followed. The GOP is defending the safety procedures it had in place.
Local health officials said the county instructed those who were infected to isolate immediately, and people who came in close contact with them should also quarantine themselves. A county spokeswoman did not respond to questions on whether the orders were followed.
It is not clear how many people at the RNC might have been exposed to the coronavirus. Almost 800 people were tested by the local hospital systems for the event.
The two infected attendees drove themselves home while self-isolating, GOP spokeswoman Blair Ellis said. That action aligns with the joint guidelines from the RNC, the county and local hospitals…
…Ultimately, infections were to be expected when bring that many people together from across the country, according to Dana Rice, a public health professor at UNC Chapel Hill.
“I’m not sure it could’ve been avoided, unless you didn’t bring people together in a room,” she said. “That was a decision that the RNC made not taking into consideration all of the public health warnings and messaging that has been out there.”
The public may need to wait weeks for an “after-action” report detailing the true scope of infections linked to the RNC…
…The Charlotte region has been North Carolina’s epicenter for the novel coronavirus since March when the pandemic began.
There have been almost 25,000 confirmed cases and 290 related deaths of county residents as of Thursday afternoon.
When delegates arrived in Charlotte last week, they were tested for the virus upon registration and had regular symptom checks. Support staff from the surrounding community were also tested, Mecklenburg officials said.
The RNC also used a rapid antigen testing system for other people at the convention, county spokeswoman Rebecca Carter said. “We did not manage those tests and the antigen tests do not confirm infection,” she said. Delegates also wore special badges that recorded who they came into contact with and for how long — making it easier for health officials to quell possible outbreaks.
Once in town, attendees were free to move about the city, eating at restaurants and attending events. That opened up the possibility that the virus could be picked up after their Charlotte-based test, and before the convention in person. Additionally, delegates were free to travel between their test in Charlotte and when they received their results.
Over the weekend ahead of the Monday renomination, delegates gathered for business meetings in a ballroom in the Westin Charlotte and mingled at a handful of events in the city, where mask wearing was not absolute…
…The delegates were seated at individual 6-foot tables for most of the official business of the convention.
Midway through Monday’s events, Harris reached out to RNC organizers with concerns about adherence to public health guidelines. She said she was assured that RNC staff would enforce them.
Shortly after, delegates swiftly converged near the stage of the Richardson Ballroom as President Donald Trump came to the podium for a surprise speech. Attendees, packed close to one another, danced the YMCA after the speech concluded — with many still not wearing face coverings.
When asked why they allowed delegates to do this, an RNC staff member said that that was the purview of the U.S. Secret Service. The Secret Service did not reply to a request for comment…
August 28, 2020: The News&Observer posted an article titled: “Maskless at Trump acceptance speech, Tillis says: ‘I fell short of my own standard'”. It was written by Brian Murphy. From the article:
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis has been adamant about the need to wear face coverings and be socially distant from others, repeatedly highlighting those precautions as keys to defeating COVID-19.
Tillis, a Republican facing re-election in 2020, attended President Donald Trump’s Republican National Convention acceptance speech Thursday night on the White House’s South lawn. More than 1,000 people were there, sitting shoulder to shoulder with few wearing face coverings. There was not universal testing for attendees.
“I’ve stressed the importance of mask wearing throughout this pandemic and have tried to lead by example on this issue, but last night I fell short of my own standard,” Tillis said in a statement Friday.
The speech originally was scheduled for Charlotte, but Trump moved the signature event after disagreements with Gov. Roy Cooper over social distancing and limited capacity in the arena. Four people at Monday’s limited RNC event tested positive for the coronavirus…
Tillis posted a photo of himself wearing a face mask before Thursday’s event started, but was captured on camera not wearing a face mask in the middle of the crowd later on…
November 25, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “Missouri Governor Mike Parson and his wife Teresa test positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Victoria Albert. From the article:
Missouri Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson have tested positive for the coronavirus, the governor’s office announced Wednesday. The Republican governor has not shown any symptoms and his wife’s symptoms are mild, the governor said.
Teresa was first tested Wednesday morning after displaying minor symptoms of the virus, and the governor was tested soon after. Teresa has taken a rapid test and a swab test that came back positive, and Parson is waiting on the results of a swab test after his rapid test came back positive, according to The Associated Press.
All official and campaign events have been canceled, and the governor’s staff is also getting tested, the office said….
…Parson has encouraged his state to wear masks and social distance — but he has also opposed a mask mandate, according to CBS affiliate KMOV. More than 116,000 people have tested positive for the virus in the state and nearly 2,000 have died, according to the most recent data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The AP reported that the state broke its single-day death toll record on both Tuesday and Wednesday. When asked by the outlet on Wednesday if it was time for a statewide mandate, the state’s health director told AP that it should be decided by local officials.
September 25, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and first lady test positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Sarah Lynch Baldwin. From the article:
Virginia’s Democratic Governor Ralph Northam said Friday that he and the state’s first lady have tested positive for COVID-19. Northam said he is asymptomatic and that his wife Pam’s symptoms are mild.
“We will isolate at home for 10 days and then reevaluate our symptoms,” he tweeted. “I am in constant contact with my cabinet and staff, and will continue working from the Executive Mansion.”
The couple was notified Wednesday that a member of their official residence staff had developed coronavirus symptoms and tested positive. They were then tested for the virus, which has affected nearly 7 million Americans and killed more than 200,000 according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University…
CBS News
UPDATE: December 1, 2021: The Guardian reported the following:
Donald Trump tested positive for Covid-19 three days before his first debate against Joe Biden, the former president’s fourth and last chief of staff has revelaed in a new book.
Mark Meadows also writes that though he knew each candidate was required “to test negative for the virus within seventy two hours from the start time… Nothing was going to stop [Trump] from going out there.”
Trump, Meadows says in the book, returned a negative result from a different test shortly after the positive.
Nonetheless, the stunning revelation of an unreported positive test follows a year of speculation about whether Trump, then 74 years old, had the potentially deadly virus when he faced Biden, 77, in Cleveland on 29 September – and what danger that might have presented….
The Guardian
The date of Trump’s positive COVID test was September 26, 2020.
Also from The Guardian:
…Meadows says Trump’s positive test result on 26 September was a shock to the White House which had just staged a triumphant Rose Garden ceremony for the supreme court nominee Amy Coney Barrett – an occasion now widely known as a super-spreader event.
Despite the president looking “a little tired” and suspecting a “slight cold”, Meadows says he was “content” that Trump travelled that evening to a rally in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
But as Marine One lifted off, Meadows writes, the White House doctor called.
“Stop the president from leaving,” Meadows says Sean Conley told him. “He just tested positive for Covid”.
It wasn’t possible to stop Trump but when he called from Air Force One, his chief of staff gave him the news…
..The public, however, was not told of the president’s tests…
The Guardian
September 29, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Just arrived in the Great State of Ohio. Real Polls have been leading by even more than 2016. With Biden being against Fracking (Energy & Jobs) & your Second Amendment, we should be in very good shape!”
September 30, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Just landed in Minnesota. Hasn’t been won by a Republican since 1972, and we saved Minneapolis. Also opened the massive and beautiful Iron Range, which Obama and Sleepy Joe closed. Thousands of jobs started back. They will close again. How can we lose?”
September 30, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Leaving Minneapolis for a quick stop in Duluth to celebrate the opening of the Obama CLOSED Iron Range. My great honor!!!”
September 30, 2020: CBS Minnesota posted an article titled: “President Trump Returns to Minn. After Chaotic 1st Debate: “We Are Going To Win Minnesota”. It was written by Esme Murphy. From the article:
…While Democratic challenger Joe Biden focused his attention back east, President Donald Trump held a big rally at the Duluth International Airport Wednesday night. He landed there at about 8 p.m. after attending a fundraiser in Shorewood, hosted by Cambria CEO Marty Davis.
In Duluth, the president spoke for what is for him an unusually short rally speech of 45 minutes. He did mention several times how cold it was. He was greeted by a crowd of what looked like several thousand enthusiastic supporters…
…At a drive-in event in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Biden doubled down as he focused on the pandemic.
“He knew how serious this pandemic was. He knew how quickly it would spread. Thousands of people would get killed, but he forgot to say a single thing to us,” Biden said. “The man doesn’t deserve to be commander in chief.”…
…Republicans say they expect to see the president back in Minnesota before the election. Thursday, his son Eric Trump will campaign at a trucking company in Becker.
Biden’s wife, Jill, will campaign in Minneapolis on Saturday.
October 1, 2020: Star Tribune posted an article titled: “Trump claims credit for jobs, touts mining, pipelines, at rally in Duluth Minnesota”. It was written by Katie Galioto. From the article:
Five weeks before the election, President Donald Trump was back in Minnesota on Wednesday, raising money and rallying a few thousand supporters on a cold, blustery night…
…It was Trump’s seventh visit to Minnesota since taking office, and his second to northern Minnesota since early voting started in the state Sept. 18, when he rallied supporters in Bemidji.
Earlier in the evening, Trump attended a GOP fundraiser in Shorewood at the Lake Minnetonka home of Cambria President and CEO Marty Davis. He stayed about 90 minutes and made no public comments.
According to a Republican National Committee official, the event was expected to bring in $7 million for Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee run by and benefiting the Trump campaign and the party.
Among those greeting Trump at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport were Minnesota Senate Republican Leader Paul Gazelka, House GOP Leader Kurt Daudt and U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis.
Before Trump’s visit, Biden’s campaign released a list of endorsements from 45 leaders in Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Biden, meanwhile, embarked on an eight-stop train tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Trump’s two-stop visit Wednesday marks the first of a series of campaign stops this week by the candidates and their surrogates.
Former Second Lady Jill Biden is scheduled to campaign in Minnesota on Saturday, making her second stop in the state since her husband secured the Democratic nomination.
Eric Trump, the president’s second son, will hold an event Thursday in Becker. And Biden’s running mate, California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, is scheduled to address a virtual gathering of the DFL’s annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner on Thursday…
October 1, 2020: Bloomberg posted an article titled: “Trump Says He Will Quarantine After Aide Falls Ill With Virus”. It was written by Jennifer Jacobs and Jordan Fabian. From the article:
President Donald Trump said that he would begin self-quarantine while waiting for coronavirus test results after Hope Hicks, one of his closest aides, tested positive for Covid-19…
…The development is likely to inflame criticism of the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the president’s disregard for public health measures to combat it.
Trump seldom wears a mask and has belittled his re-election challenger, Joe Biden, for routinely covering his face. The president has resumed holding large campaign rallies at which thousands of his supporters gather, shoulder to shoulder, few in masks.
Most of the events are held outdoors at airports but two recent events in Arizona and Nevada were indoors, a setting that public health experts warn raises the risk of virus transmission.
At the debate in Cleveland, Trump’s entourage entered the debate hall without face coverings — or removed them as they sat down — and refused an offer of masks from a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, which was co-hosting the event. Hicks was not seen in the debate hall.
Biden’s guests wore masks.
Hicks was seen on Tuesday riding maskless in a staff van with White House senior adviser Stephen Miller, campaign adviser Jason Miller and others.
When they returned to Washington on Tuesday, Stephen Miller and Hicks were seen sharing an umbrella as they exited Air Force One in the rain. Miller’s wife, Katie Miller — Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary — recovered from Covid-19 earlier this year.
After feeling ill in Minnesota, Hicks tested positive for the virus on Thursday.
Trump’s staff wear masks when traveling with him aboard the presidential helicopter, Marine One, and Hicks observed that protocol this week.
But his aides worry that Trump’s lack of sleep during the final stretch of the presidential campaign could leave him especially vulnerable to infection. The president did not return to the White House until after midnight following his Tuesday and Wednesday trips. The president’s age, 74, also puts him at greater risk for serious illness from the virus…
October 1, 2020: Jennifer Jacobs, Senior White House reporter for Bloomberg News, tweeted: “NEWS: Hope Hicks, who traveled with Trump aboard Air Force One to and from the presidential debate on Tuesday, and to his Minnesota rally yesterday, has coronavirus, sources tell me.”
October 1, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Hope Hicks, who has been working so hard without even taking a small break, has just tested positive for COVID-19. Terrible! The First Lady and I are waiting for our test results. In the meantime, we will begin our quarantine process!”
October 1, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “Hope Hicks, one of Trump’s closest advisers, tests positive for coronavirus, president to quarantine”. It was written by John Santucci and Katherine Faulders. From the article:
Hope Hicks, one of President Trump’s closest advisers, has tested positive for the coronavirus, ABC News has confirmed.
Hicks, who serves as counselor to the president and is among a tight group of advisers to the president, tested positive this week after traveling with the president on Tuesday to and from the first presidential debate on Air Force One. The president tweeted late Thursday he would go into quarantine, though it’s unclear how that will affect his upcoming schedule. The White House declined to comment late Thursday…
…Hicks was also on Marine One, the president’s helicopter, when it left the White House to fly to Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday. She was seen walking to the helicopter with fellow top presidential advisers, such as Stephen Miller, Dan Scavino and Jared Kushner. None of them were wearing masks…
…Sources told ABC News that Hicks is experiencing symptoms and that she tested positive on Wednesday…
…A White House official told ABC News that they did not anticipate the positive diagnosis impacting the president’s upcoming travel. He is scheduled to travel to a rally in Sanford, Florida, on Friday night. He has two on Saturday in Wisconsin and ones on Monday and Tuesday in Arizona as well. ABC News has reached out for comment on whether they will proceed…
…Hicks has been one of the closest advisers to Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign. She followed the president into the White House and rose to White House communications director before departing in March 2018. She took a job as head of communications for Fox Corporation, the parent company of Fox News, but the absence did not last long.
She returned to the president’s side in February to be counselor to the president. She reports to Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and senior adviser…
October 1, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”
October 1, 2020: Representative Dean Phillips (Democrat – Minnesota) tweeted: “COVID-19 is a serious and unpredictiable disease, and I wish the President, First Lady, and Hope Hicks a speedy recovery. I also have those in my district in Minnesota who may have been exposed on my mind.”
The tweet was in response to President Trump’s tweet.
October 1, 2020: Shil Kapur, national political reporter for NBC News, tweeted: “After the president’s positive COVID test, the White House announces his trip to Florida (sent out just three hours ago) is canceled. His full new schedule for tomorrow [yellow hand pointing down]”.
The tweet included a screenshot of “Updated Daily Guidance and Press Schedule for Friday, October 2, 2020” from the Office of the Press Secretary. From the guidance and press schedule:
In-Town Pool
Wires: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg
Wire Photos: AP, Reuters, AFP, NYT
TV Corr & Crew: CNN
Print: Washington Times
Radio: BBC
EDT
10:00AM In-House Pool Call Time
12:15PM: THE PRESIDENT hosts a phone call on COVID-19 support to vulnerable seniors
The White House
Closed Press
October 1, 2020: Karin Caifa, reporter for CNN Newsource, Johns Hopkins, and Columbia Journal tweeted: “The White House has released this statement from President Trump’s physician, confirming that both the president and First Lady have tested positive for Covid-19.”
The tweet included a screenshot of a memorandum that was sent to Kayleigh McEnanany, Assistant to the President, by Sean P. Conley, Physician to the President. The Memorandum said:
I release the following information with permission of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
This evening I received confirmation that both President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The President and First Lady are both well at this time, and they plan to remain at home within the White House during their convalescence.
The White House medical team and I will maintain a vigilant watch, and I appreciate the support provided by some of the country’s greatest medical professionals and institutions. Rest assured I expect the President to continue carrying out his duties without disruption while recovering, and I will keep you updated on any future developments.
October 1, 2020: First Lady Melania Trump tweeted: “As too many Americans have done this year, @potus & I are quarantining at home after testing positive for COVID-19. We are feeling good & I have postponed all upcoming engagements. Please be sure you are staying safe & we will all get through this together.”
October 1, 2020: Edward-Issac Dovere, staff writer for The Atlantic, tweeted: “The next Trump-Biden debate is scheduled for October 15. Trump would, if he has a full recovery, just be coming out of his 2 week quarantine. It’s not possible to put Biden, who is in the high risk group himself just as Trump is, in the same room with the president.
October 1, 2020: Weija Jiang, CBS News White House correspondent, tweeted: “.@cbsnews has learned Hope Hicks tested negative for COVID-19 Wednesday morning, so she boarded AF1. She developed symptoms during the day and received a second test, which came back positive. The White House knew about this Wed. evening but Trump still had a fundraiser Thursday.”
October 2, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Trump and first lady Melania test positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Maanvi Singh and Peter Beaumont. From the article:
The US presidential election has been plunged into disarray after Donald Trump and his wife Melania tested positive for coronavirus following weeks in which the US president sought to suggest the worst of the pandemic was over.
Trump announced his positive test in a dramatic tweet at 1am, prompting US television networks to go to live coverage of the 74-year old president’s health and his election campaign cancelled a planned event in the key battleground state of Florida.
The president and his wife were tested after one of his closest aides, the White House counsellor Hope Hicks, began showing symptoms earlier this week as she travelled to campaign events around the country with Trump’s entourage, including several other family members…
…Although Hicks was tested on Thursday after showing symptoms requiring isolation, Trump still travelled to New Jersey to meet supporters at his Bedminster Golf Club, and delivered remarks at a fundraiser despite the high risk that his counsellor may have been infected…
…With only a month to go until polling day on 3 November, and with Trump consistently trailing his opponent, Joe Biden, in opinion polls, the president will be forced to stay in the White House, abandoning the rallies he has employed to try to galvanise his support base.
Trump’s diagnosis, so close to the election, is a brutally ironic coda in an election seen by some as a referendum on his chaotic handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed 207,000 US lives and infected 7 million others.
Even in the hours before he tested positive for the virus, Trump, as he has often done, claimed without evidence that the pandemic would subside soon. “I just want to say that the end of the pandemic is in sight,” he said in prerecorded remarks…
…Hicks, who accompanied Trump and members of his family to the presidential debate on Tuesday and to a Minnesota rally on Wednesday, fell ill during a flight home on Air Force One on Wednesday evening and was isolated from other passengers aboard the plane.
Trump has in the last days met a number of prominent figures, some of who are in high-risk categories for coronavirus complications, including his Democratic rival, Biden, whom he faced, unmasked, during Tuesday’s debate, and the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell.
He said he received confirmation of the positive tests on Thursday evening. Earlier, Trump confirmed in an interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News that Hicks had contracted the virus…
…It is unusual for Covid-19 patients to receive a positive PCR test result one day after exposure, public health experts say, and Trump may have been carrying the virus for longer – exposing those he interacted with this week…
October 2, 2020: The New York Times posted an article titled: “Trump Tests Positive for the Coronavirus”. It was written by Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman. From the article:
President Trump revealed early Friday morning that he and the first lady, Melania Trump, had tested positive for the coronavirus, throwing the nation’s leadership into uncertainty and escalating the crisis posed by a pandemic that has already killed more than 207,000 Americans and devastated the economy.
Mr. Trump, who for months has played down the seriousness of the virus and hours earlier on Thursday night told an audience that “the end of the pandemic is in sight,” will quarantine in the White House for an unspecified period of time, forcing him to withdraw at least temporarily from the campaign trail only 32 days before the election on Nov. 3.
The dramatic disclosure came in a Twitter message just before 1 a.m. after a suspenseful evening following reports that Mr. Trump’s close adviser Hope Hicks had tested positive. In her own tweet about 30 minutes later, Mrs. Trump wrote that the first couple were “feeling good,” but the White House did not say whether they were experiencing symptoms. The president’s physician said he could carry out his duties “without disruption” from the Executive Mansion…
…Mr. Trump’s positive test result posed immediate challenges for the future of his campaign against former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Democratic nominee, with barely a month until Election Day. Even if Mr. Trump, 74, remains asymptomatic, he will lose much of his remaining time on the campaign trail. If he becomes sick, it could raise questions about whether he should remain on the ballot at all.
The White House did not say how long Mr. Trump would have to remain isolated, but it canceled his plans to fly to Florida for a campaign rally on Friday, stripping his public schedule for the day of everything except a midday telephone call “on Covid-19 support to vulnerable seniors.” Appearances at rallies in Wisconsin on Saturday and in Arizona on Monday also appear sure to be scrapped, and the next debate, scheduled for Oct. 15 in Miami, was left up in the air…
…For months, Mr. Trump has refused to wear a mask in public on all but a few occasions and has repeatedly questioned their effectiveness. And as recently as Tuesday, at their opening debate, he mocked Mr. Biden for wearing one. “I don’t wear masks like him,” the president said, his voice dripping with derision. “Every time you see him, he’s got a mask.”
It was not immediately clear whether Mr. Trump might have been infected by the virus at the time of the debate with Mr. Biden, 77, although the two stood far across stage and never got within six feet of each other…
October 2, 2020: First Lady Melania Trump tweeted: “Thank you all for the love you are sending our way. I have mild symptoms but overall feeling good. I am looking forward to a speedy recovery”.
October 2, 2020: Associated Press posted an article titled: “Timeline of Trump’s activities in week coronavirus hit home”. From the article:
MONDAY
Trump surveys a truck produced by Lordstown Motors on the White House South lawn at an event attended by two members of Congress and three representatives from the Lordstown, Ohio, manufacturer.
Trump holds a Rose Garden event to announce an administration effort to distribute millions of coronavirus test kits to states. The event is attended by administration officials including Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress and state officials.
TUESDAY
Trump travels to Cleveland for a 90-minute presidential debate against Democratic rival Joe Biden. The two men are both tested ahead of the debate and stand behind lecterns positioned a good distance from one another. They do not wear masks during the faceoff….
WEDNESDAY
Trump travels to Minnesota for a fundraiser at a private home in suburban Minneapolis and an outdoor rally in Duluth…
THURSDAY
Trump flies to Bedminster resort in New Jersey for a private fundraiser. Several aids who were in proximity to Hicks scrap plans to accompany Trump…
October 2, 2020: NPR posted an article titled: “President Trump Has ‘Mild Symptoms’ After Testing Positive For The Coronavirus”. It was written by Tamara Keith, Ayesha Rascoe, Mark Katkov, Alana Wise, and Franco Ordoñez. From the article:
The country was put on edge overnight as President Trump announced that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus, a stunning announcement that raises concerns about their health and throws the final stretch of the presidential campaign — already upended by the pandemic — even further into unknown territory.
Trump plans to continue carrying out his duties but is expected to remain home for two weeks, canceling campaign events as doctors watch him at the White House.
Trump is 74, an age that makes him more vulnerable to the virus. White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters Friday that the president has “mild symptoms.”
He did not directly answer a question about the type of symptoms that Trump is experiencing. First Lady Melania Trump said on Twitter that she also has mild symptoms but is “overall feeling good.”…
October 2, 2020: NBC News posted an article titled: “Vice President Pence tests negative for Covid after Trump’s diagnosis”. It was written by Lauren Egan. From the article:
Vice President Mike Pence tested negative for the coronavirus Friday, following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he and first lady Melania Trump had become infected with the virus.
Pence’s press secretary Devin O’Malley said that Pence underwent a routine Covid test Friay morning, and he and his wife Karen Pence had both tested negative. It is unclear whether or not Pence will enter isolation, as is recomended by health experts due to the incubation period of the virus…
…The last known public contact between Pence and Trump appeared to be an outdoor Rose Garden event on Monday. But at a campaign event in Litiz, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, ahead of the presidential debate, Pence told an indoor crowd of supporters that he had spoken with the president in the Oval Office earlier that day…
“It’s gonna be a great night. I can tell you, I left the president earlier today in the Oval Office and he’s ready,” Pence said to a large crowd of mostly maskless supporters.
Following Pence’s meeting with Trump Tuesday, the vice president continued to travel around the country hosting campaign events.
On Wednesday Pence traveled to Atlanta where he attended a fundraiser lunch and delivered remarks at a faith conference. Pence was seen deplaning Air Force Two without a mask, later putting one on as he waved to cameras. Pence was greeted at the airport by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who gave the vice president a fist bump.
On Thursday, the vice president hosted a campaign rally in Carter Lake, Iowa and spoke at a faith event in Des Moines.
At many of these events, hundreds of supporters gathered indoors without masks and no social distancing. Pence was interacting with voters at the conclusion of his speeches in Atlanta and Carter Lake.
Pence is scheduled to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday for the only vice presidential debate of the election cycle against Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. It is unclear whether the debate can continue as planned…
October 2, 2020: Maggie Haberman, White House correspondent for The New York Times, and analyst for CNN, tweeted: “BREAKING – Ronna McDaniel, the RNC chairwoman, tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, multiple sources say. She has mild symptoms. She was last with POTUS last Friday and has been in Michigan since then.”
October 2, 2020: Reuters posted an article titled: “Trump campaign directing staffers exposed to coronavirus to quarantine immediately: CBS”. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has asked all staffers exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 to self-quarantine immediately, according to a CBS reporter.
Campaign manager Bill Stepian made the request in an email to staff and encouraged staff to wear masks, wash hands and socially distance, according to the email posted on Twitter by reporter Nicole Sganga. “While some public events will be taken down, the campaign office remains open,” he said in the email”.
October 2, 2020: Senator Mike Lee (Republican – Utah) tweeted an image that had text that was inside a quote bubble. It said:
Yesterday morning, I was experiencing symptoms consistent with longtime allergies. Out of an abundance of caution, I sought medical advice and was tested for Covid-19. Unlike the test I took just a few days ago while visiting the White House, yesterday’s test came back positive. On advice of the Senate attending physician, I will remain isolated for the next 10 days.
Like so many other Utahns, I will now spend part of 2020 working from home. I have spoken with Leader McConnell and Chairman Graham and assured them I will be back to work in time to join my Judiciary Committee colleagues in advancing the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the Committee and then to the full Senate.
October 2, 2020: SCOTUS blog (which is NOT run by anyone on the Supreme Court) tweeted a response to Senator Mike Lee’s tweet. “Senator Mike Lee met with Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Tuesday September 29. He has now tested positive for Covid-19.”
October 2, 2020: Yamiche Alcindor, PBS NewsHour White House correspondent tweeted: “White House: Judge Amy Coney Barrett has tested NEGATIVE for COVID. She was with the President last on Saturday when she was nominated. She is following the CDC guidance and best practices, including social distancing, wearing face coverings, and frequently washes hands.”
October 2, 2020: Former Vice President Joe Biden (Democrat) tweeted: “I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID. Thank you to everyone for your messages of concern. I hope this serves as a reminder: wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands.”
October 2, 2020: Senator Kamala Harris (Democrat – California) tweeted: “Both @DouglasEmhoff and I were tested for COVID-19 this morning and thankfully we tested negative. This virus is still very much active across our country, please continue to wear a mask and maintain social distancing”.
Douglas Emhoff is Kamala Harris’s husband.
October 2, 2020: Politico posted an article titled: “White House says Trump will be at Walter Reed for ‘the next few days'”. It was written by Nick Niedzwiadek, Quint Forgey and Matther Choi. From the article:
President Donald Trump was taken to Walter Reed Military Medical Center early Friday evening and will spend “the next few days” there, the White House said after Trump announced earlier in the day that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
The president was seen walking on the White House South lawn to Marine One under his own power around 6:15 p.m. and sporting a mask – notable given the president’s aversion to wearing one in public and his frequent mockery of his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, and others for doing so even when they are far from others. The president landed at 6:29 p.m., and he posted a video to his Twitter account of him assuring people that he was in good condition…
…In a memo released by the White House, [Sean] Conley [the president’s physician] said that the president had completed an infusion of monoclonal antibodies produced by Regeneron, and was taking other medication, including aspirin, zinc and vitamin D. It made no mention of hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial that Trump frequently promoted — and took himself for two weeks as a precautionary measure earlier this year.
First lady Melania Trump is displaying “only a mild cough and headache,” Conley’s memo says. The doctor also wrote that the rest of Trump’s family had tested negative on Friday and that the first couple were being advised by a team of experts about their next steps…
…The constellation of infections has quickly extended beyond just the president and those closest to him. The White House Correspondents Association revealed that at least three journalists have tested positive for Covid-19, as have president of the University of Notre Dame — who visited the White House last weekend for the nomination of alumna Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court — and 11 people involved with Tuesday’s debate in Cleveland…
October 2, 2020: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (Democrat) tweeted: “We urge everyone who attended yesterday’s event in Bedminster to take full precautions, including self-quarantining and getting tested for #COVID19. Find your nearest testing location: http://covid19.nj.gov/testing.”
October 2, 2020: Carolina Huxley, Special Assistant to the President and Associate Director for Economic Initiatives tweeted: “.@IvankaTrump and Jared Kushner were tested again today for COVID-19 and both are negative.”
October 2, 2020: Kate Bennet, CNN correspondent, White House, tweeted: “New: Barron Trump, 14, has tested negative for the virus. @StephGrisham45 tells CNN, “Barron has tested negative and all precautions are taken to ensure he’s kept safe and healthy”.
Stephanie Grisham is White House Chief of Staff for First Lady Melania Trump.
October 2, 2020: NBC News tweeted: “President Trump has a low-grade fever after testing positive for coronavirus, according to 3 people familiar with his condition.” This tweet is the start of a short thread.
October 2, 2020: NBC News tweeted an image of a memorandum from Sean Conoly, Physician to the President, to Kayleigh McEnany, Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary. From the Memorandum:
Health Update on President Donald J. Trump
I release the following information with the permission of President Donald J. Trump.
Following PCR-confirmation of the President’s diagnosis, as a precautionary measure he received a single 8 gram dose of Regeneron’s polyclonal antibody cocktail. He completed the infusion without incident. In addition to the polyclonal antibodies, the President has been taking zinc, vitamin D, famotidine, melatonin and a daily aspirin.
As of this afternoon the President remains fatigued but in good spirits. He’s being evaluated by a team of experts, and together we’ll be making recommendations to the President and First Lady in regards to next best steps.
First Lady Melania Trump remains well with only a mild cough and headache, and the remainder of the First Family are well and tested negative for SARA-CoV-2 today.
October 2, 2020: CNBC posted an article titled: “Here’s everything we know about the unapproved antibody drug Trump took to combat coronavirus”. It was written by Christina Farr and Kevin Stankiewicz. From the article:
…Regeneron confirmed it provided a single, 8-gram dose of its REGN-COV2 treatment for use by the president, whose coronavirus diagnosis was announced just before 1 a.m. ET Friday. Regeneron’s antibody drug is still experimental and has not received emergency use approval from the FDA, but it was provided in response to a compassionate use request.
CNBC’s Meg Tirrell on Friday reported that a “limited number of patients” had also received the drug on that basis after speaking with Regeneron’s chief scientific officer, Dr. George Yancopoulos.
On Tuesday, Regeneron said its REGN-COV2 treatment improved symptoms and reduced viral loads in non-hospitalized patients who have mild to moderate Covid-19. That was based on results for the first 275 trial patients. At the time, the company indicated it plans to “rapidly” discuss the early results with regulatory agencies, including the FDA…
…Regeneron’s REGN-COV2 is an experimental shot of lab-generated antibodies that mimics how the body would mount a reaction to a foreign invader. The goal is to boost the immune system’s defenses, rather than to wait on human biology to do its job…
October 2, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “GOP Sen. Thom Tillis tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Jordain Carney. From the article:
Sen. Thom Tillis (N.C.) said on Friday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the second GOP senator who was at the White House on Saturday to be diagnosed with the virus.
“Over the last few months, I’ve been routinely tested for COVID-19, including testing negative last Saturday, but tonight my rapid antigen test came back positive,” Tillis said in a statement.
The news of Tillis’s diagnosis comes as Washington was upended after President Trump disclosed that he had tested positive for the virus, jolting an already chaotic election year.
Tillis, who said he is currently asymptomatic, is the fourth senator known to have tested positive, and the second member of the Judiciary Committee…
…”I will be following the recommendations of my doctor and will be self-isolating at home for 10 days and notifying those I’ve been in close contact with,” Tillis said.
The diagnosis for Tillis and Lee is injecting fresh uncertainty into the GOP timeline for trying to confirm Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) both pledged earlier Friday that they would move ahead with Barrett’s nomination as planned, with a hearing set to start on Oct. 12…
October 2, 2020: The Chronicle of Higher Education posted an article titled: “Days After Appearing Unmasked at White House, Notre Dame’s President Tests Positive for Covid-19”. It was written by Andy Thomason. From the article:
The University of Notre Dame’s president, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, has tested positive for Covid-19 less than a week after appearing unmasked in the Rose Garden at the White House, the university announced on Friday.
According to an email announcement quoted by multiple news outlets, Jenkins this week became aware that a colleague had tested positive, prompting him to seek a test, which also came back positive. “My symptoms are mild, and I will continue work from home,” Jenkins said in the message. “The positive test is a good reminder for me, and perhaps for all, of how vigilant we need to be.”
The announcement came close on the heels of the bombshell revelation that President Trump had tested positive for Covid-19. Jenkins attended the Saturday ceremony in which Trump announced the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, a Notre Dame law professor, to the Supreme Court. Jenkins was seen unmasked at the ceremony, for which he later apologized…
October 2, 2020: Kellyanne Conway, former press secretary for President Donald Trump, tweeted: “Tonight I tested positive for COVID-19. My symptoms are mild (light cough) and I’m feeling fine. I have begun a quarantine process in consultation with physicians. As always, my heart is with everyone affected by this global pandemic. [red heart emoji]”
October 2, 2020: HuffPost posted an article titled: “Kellyanne Conway Tests Positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Mary Papenfuss. From the article:
…Conway had attended a White House event last weekend announcing the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court. Conway left the White House at the end of August, saying she needed time to focus on her family.
October 2, 2020: Politico posted an article titled: “Trump campaign manager tests positive for Covid-19”. It was written by Alex Isenstadt. From the article:
Donald Trump’s campaign manager has tested positive for Covid-19, dealing another blow to his reelection effort on a day that saw the president and the head of the Republican National Committee report contracting the disease as well.
Bill Stepien received his diagnosis Friday evening and was experiencing what one senior campaign official described as “mild flu-like symptoms.” People familiar with the situation said the 42-year-old Stepien plans to quarantine until he recovers.
Deputy Campaign Manager Justin Clark is expected to oversee the Trump team’s Arlington, Va. headquarters while Stepien works remotely, though advisers stressed that he would maintain control of the campaign…
…Stepien traveled to and from Cleveland for Tuesday’s presidential debate. He joined Trump and Hicks aboard Air Force One. The campaign manager was also with the president in the White House on Monday…
…Stepien on Saturday is slated to hold separate conference calls with campaign staff and grass-roots leaders. Pence is expected to participate in one of the calls…
October 2, 2020: WKYC Studios posted an article titled: “City of Cleveland announces 11 positive cases of COVID-19 stemming from preperations for presidential debate”. From the article:
With the news that President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have both tested positive for COVID-19, the city of Cleveland has issued a statement after the pair were among those in town for Tuesday’s presidential debate.
According to the city, 11 positive cases of COVID-19 have stemmed from ‘pre-debate planning and set-up.’ The city adds that the majority of those 11 cases have occured among out of state residents. No city residents appear to have contracted coronavirus as a result of the debate, but that could still change.
Cleveland Clinic issued a statement on Friday confirming that it was required maintain a safe environment during the debate that aligned with CDC guidelines- including social distancing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks and masking. The Clinic added that everyone permitted inside the debate hall tested negative for COVID-19 prior to entry.
This evening, the Clinic released a second statement, saying those who tested positive did not have access to the debate space inside Samson Pavilion:
“It’s important to clarify the 11 people who tested positive never accessed the debate hall. These individuals were either members of the media or were scheduled to work logistics/set-up the days prior to the event. Individuals did not receive credentials or tickets to enter the debate hall until they had a negative test, and all were advised to isolate while they awaited their test results.”
Despite the statement by Cleveland Clinic, some members of the president’s family were seen seated in the audience without wearing a mask. Images show the family wearing masks when they entered the venue, other photos, however, show their facial coverings were removed while in physically distanced seats to watch the debate…
October 2, 2020: Governor Mike DeWine (Republican – Ohio) tweeted: “This evening, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine, and Ohio Lt. Goernor Jon Husted all received their results from COVID-19 tests taken today, and all tested negative.”
October 2, 2020: TIME posted an article titled: “Amy Coney Barrett had COVID-19 in Recent Months, Friends of Supreme Court Pick Say”. It was written by Tessa Berenson. From the article:
Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, was believed to have COVID-19 earlier this year, according to multiple people close to her.
Two friends of Barrett, who were granted anonymity because they did not feel comfortable discussing Barrett’s personal medical history on the record, confirmed to TIME that the judge had been sick in recent months and was thought to have contracted the virus. One said Barrett displayed mild symptoms and had quarantined. The other said she had received a positive test result.
The Washington Post reported Friday that Barrett had been diagnosed with the virus over the summer and had recovered, citing three officials familiar with the diagnosis.
The White House declined to comment. A member of Barrett’s family did not respond to a request for comment…
…According to the White House, Barrett is tested daily for COVID-19, and tested negative on Oct. 2…
October 2, 2020: Drew Hammel, Deputy Chief of Staff for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, tweeted: “Out of an abundance of caution, Speaker Pelosi was tested for COVID-19 this morning by the Capitol’s Office of the Attending Physician. Dr. Monahan just informed the Speaker that she tested negative.”
October 2, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Pelosi tests negative for Covid after Mnuchin meeting”. It was written by Haley Bird and Lauren Fox. From the article:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tested negative for Covid-19 Friday, her deputy chief of staff tweeted.
The announcement comes after the California Democrat was tested following her meeting earlier this week with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to discuss a potential stimulus bill. Prior to their meeting, Mnuchin spoke with President Donald Trump, who has now tested positive for coronavirus, in the Oval Office…
…Pelosi is just one of several members of Congress who are being tested for the virus Friday — including Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, who flew on Air Force One with the President this week, and Sen. Rob Portman, who attended an outdoor event with Trump on Monday. Their moves to get tested highlight how the President’s positive coronavirus result has ricocheted across Washington, as White House aides and lawmakers begin retracing their steps over the last several days to identify whether they may have been exposed.
Mnuchin, who announced he tested negative Friday morning, has been negotiating with Pelosi this week in an effort to strike agreement on an additional aid package to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. That effort has stalled, though Pelosi and Mnuchin continue to negotiate. House Democrats voted Thursday night to pass their own package, which has slim chances of being considered in the Republican Senate. In light of the President’s diagnosis, Pelosi called for a conclusion to those talks…
October 2, 2020: WKYC Studios posted an article titled: “Grassley, in presidential succession line, doesn’t get COVID-19 test after meeting with infected senator”. From the article:
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the third in the line of succession to the presidency, reportedly has not gotten tested for the coronavirus after attending a meeting with another senator who announced a positive test result Friday.
The line of succession has become top-of-mind for Americans now that President Donald Trump is in the hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19 Friday. The White House said Trump is expected to be there for a “few days.” The president’s physician said in a memo that Trump “remains fatigued but in good spirits,” He is undergoing an experimental antibody regimen.
The Des Moines Register reports Grassley attended a Senate Judiciary Meeting with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, on Thursday. On Friday, Lee announced he had tested positive for COVID-19…
…”Sen. Grassley will continue to follow guidance from the Senate’s attending physician, the CDC and local health officials,” Grassley’s office said in a statement.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance says people should be tested if they have been within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes. A spokesman for Grassley told the Register that the senators kept themselves at a greater distance…
…Grassley is president pro tempore of the Senate. He follows Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in the presidential line of succession.
Grassley is 87, putting him in the higher risk category for severe illness or death should he contract the virus.
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, the state’s other senator, was also in the meeting, according to the Register. She was reportedly tested for COVID-19 and it came back negative…
October 3, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Going well, I think! Thank you to all. LOVE!!!”
October 3, 2020: Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie tweeted: “I just recieved word that I am positive for COVID-19. I want to thank all of my friends and colleagues who have reached out to ask how I was feeling in the last day or two. I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition”.
October 3, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Sen. Ron Johnson tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Jordain Carney. From the article:
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has tested positive for the coronavirus, becoming the third senator to announce in the past two days that they had contracted the virus.
Johnson’s office said in a statement on Saturday that he was exposed to an individual on Sept. 29 who has since tested positive for the virus.
“After learning of this exposure, the senator was tested yesterday afternoon. This test came back positive,” his office said. “Senator Johnson feels healthy and is not experiencing symptoms. He will remain isolated until given the all-clear by his doctor.”…
…In addition to Johnson, Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) both said on Friday that they had tested positive for COVID-19.
Unlike Lee and Tillis, Johnson is not a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was not at the White House on Saturday for Trump’s announcement that he was picking Judge Amy Coney Barrett as his Supreme Court nominee…
October 3, 2020: CNN posted in their live blog “GOP senator with Covid-19 said he learned he tested positive after attending Oktoberfest dinner”. From the post:
Sen. Ron Johnson said he learned he had tested positive for COVID-19 after he had spoken at the Ozaukee County Republican Party’s Oktoberfest Dinner on Friday night in Wisconsin.
Johnson said he had no symptoms before the dinner but had decided to get tested as a precaution, after hearing that Utah Sen. Mike Lee had tested positive earlier on Friday.
Johnson said he was able to get tested on Friday night before heading to the Oktoberfest dinner.
At the dinner event, Johnson said he let the organizers know that he would not stick around or mingle with people, or take photographs with attendees. He said he maintained social distancing at the event and let people kbow why he was being safe.
Johnson said he learned he tested positive after the event on his ride home.
October 3, 2020: Associated Press posted an article titled: “Official: Next 48 hours ‘critical’ for Trump in virus fight”. It was written by Jonathan Lemire, Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller”.
President Donald Trump went through a “very concerning” period Friday and the next 48 hours “will be critical” in his care as he battles the coronavirus at a hospital, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Saturday. Meadows’ comments contradicted the rosy assessment of Trump’s condition offered by his staff and doctors, who took pains not to reveal the president had received supplemental oxygen at the White House before his hospital admission.
“We’re still not on a clear path yet to a full recovery,” said a weary Meadows.
It was a dramatically different picture than the one painted by the White House staff since Trump revealed his diagnosis as well as by his doctors, who updated the public at a press conference at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The briefing by Navy Commander Dr. Sean Conley and other doctors raised more questions than it answered as Conley repeatedly refused to say whether the president ever needed supplemental oxygen, despite repeated questioning, and declined to discuss exactly when he fell ill. Conley also revealed that Trump began exhibiting “clinical indications” of COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon, earlier than previously known.
“Thursday no oxygen. None at this moment. And yesterday with the team, while we were all here, he was not on oxygen,” Conley said.
But according to a person familiar with Trump’s condition, Trump was administered oxygen at the White House on Friday before he was transported to the military hospital. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity,..
…And while Vice President Mike Pence is currently off the campaign trail preparing for the coming week’s vice presidential debate, he and his staff are operating under a “business as usual” approach. He’s still planning to travel to Arizona on Thursday, Indiana on Friday and Florida on Saturday for events instead of isolating himself after potential exposure and to protect himself from contracting the virus anywhere else.
October 3, 2020: President Trump tweeted: “Doctors, Nurses and ALL at the GREAT Walter Reed Medical Center, and others from likewise incredible institutions who have joined them, are AMAZING!!!Tremendous progress has been made over the last 6 months in fighting this PLAGUE. With their help, I am feeling well!”
October 3, 2020: Omaha World-Herald posted an article titled: “Sen. Sasse tests negative for COVID-19, Sen. Fischer awaiting results after attending White House event.” It was written by Joseph Morton. From the article:
Sen. Ben Sasse has tested negative for the coronavirus, while Sen. Deb Fischer is awaiting her own test results.
The two Nebraska Republicans attended a White House ceremony last weekend alongside a number of individuals who have since tested positive for the virus, including President Donald Trump.
Sasse plans to work remotely from Nebraska for the next week or so despite the negative test.
“After consulting with the Senate attending physician and Nebraska doctors, he will work remotely from his home in Nebraska, undergoing further testing,” according to a statement by a spokesperson. “He will return to Washington for in-person work beginning Oct. 12. Ben, Melissa and their kids are praying for the president, the first lady, and a nation continuing to battle this nasty virus.”.
The testing and work-from-home decision were prompted by Sasse’s “close interaction with multiple infected individuals,” according to the statement…
October 3, 2020: Reuters posted an article titled: “White House chief of staff says Trump is doing very well”. From the article:
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said on Saturday that President Donald Trump is doing “very well” and that doctors are pleased with his vital signs.
“The president is doing very well. He is up and about and asking for documents to review. The doctors are very pleased with his vital signs. I have met with him on multiple occassions today for a variety of issues,” Meadows told Reuters.
October 3, 2020: Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie tweeted: “In consultation with my doctors, I checked myself into Morristown Medical Center this afternoon. While I am feeling good and only have mild symptoms, due to my history of asthma we decided this is an important precautionary measure.
October 3, 2020: CNN posted in a live blog a short article titled: “Chris Christie says he checked himself into the hospital after testing positive with Covid-19”. It was written by Dana Bash. From the short article:
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told CNN he checked himself into the hospital Saturday afternoon, as a precautionary measure, after announcing earlier in the day he had tested positive for Covid-19.
Christie, who suffers from asthma, said in consultation with his doctor, he decided it was best to be monitored in the hospital. He said he has a slight fever and is achy but felt well enough to drive himself to the hospital.
Christie told CNN by phone from the hospital that his breathing is fine, but after being admitted, he started a course of the Covid-19 treatment remdesivir.…
…Christie was part of the President’s debate prep team and sat close to the President, and others who have now tested positive for coronavirus.
He was also in the audience for Trump’s Supreme Court announcement last weekend.
October 3, 2020: CNN posted in their live blog: “GOP Sen. Thom Tillis “has mild symptoms,” his press secretary says”. It was written by Manu Raju and Ted Barrett.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis is continuing to self-isolate at his home in North Carolina while experiencing “mild symptoms, and he is in great spirits,” according to a statement from his press secretary Adam Webb.
Tillis tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, days after attending a White House event where President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
Multiple attendees of that event, including Trump, have tested positive in the days since the ceremony, which featured many people wearing masks and not observing social distancing protocols.
October 3, 2020: Jennifer Jacobs, Senior White House Reporter for Bloomberg News, tweeted: “NEWS: One of Trump’s personal assistants has tested positive for coronavirus, sources tell me. Nick Luna, as bodyman, works in very close proximity to the president so it’s not surprising.”
October 3, 2020: Jennifer Jacobs. Senior White House Reporter for Bloomber News tweeted: “Another factor that is unsettling White House aides tonight is Nick Luna is married to Cassidy Dumbauld, who is an aide to Jared Kushner. More people in the circle around Trump’s senior adviser diagnosed with coronavirus.”
October 4, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “President did not disclose 1st positive test, sources say”. It was written by Matt Zarrell, Jon Harworth, Ivan Pereira and Marc Nathanson. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s condition is continuing to improve as he fights a coronavirus infection, doctors say, and he may be able to leave Walter Reed Medical Center as early as Monday — even as details emerge that the president allegedly initially tested positive for COVID-19 earlier than he acknowledged.
Doctors also reported that Trump, over the course of exhibiting coronavirus symptoms, had earlier experienced two episodes of “transient drops” in his oxygen saturation.
Yet the president was feeling well enough Sunday evening to briefly leave Walter Reed for a surprise drive-by, waving to supporters outside the hospital.
Meanwhile, numerous questions remain about how many people at the highest levels of government had been exposed to the virus after a week of events involving the president where social distancing and mask-wearing were lax in the White House and elsewhere.
October 4, 2020: Josh Wingrove, White House reporter, Bloomberg, tweeted: “National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien says mask-wearing is now manditory for NSC staff. It has previously been voluntary.”
October 4, 2020: NPR posted an article titled: “Despite Risks to Others, Trump Leaves Hospital To Greet Supporters”. It was written byBarbara Sprunt. From the article:
Despite indications from doctors that he is still facing serious challenges from the coronavirus and could spread the disease to others, President Trump briefly left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday evening to wave to supporters gathered outside.
A masked Trump was seen waving to small crowds from a black SUV. Other images showed Secret Service personnel in the vehicle with personal protective equipment on to protect themselves from the high exposure risk of riding in an enclosed vehicle with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
Right before the drive-by, the president tweeted a video in which he thanked the doctors and staff at Walter Reed for treating him for COVID-19 and said he was about to “make a little surprise visit” outside to greet supporters…
…Trump has been briefed extensively about the pandemic by members of his White House coronavirus task force and other advisers.
Some experts swiftly characterized Trump’s drive-by greeting as reckless.
Dr. James Phillips, an attending physician at Walter Reed who is also chief of disaster medicine at George Washington University, lambasted the move as being made for “political theater.”
“That Presidential SUV is not only bulletproof, but hermetically sealed against chemical attack. The risk of COVID-19 transmission inside is as high as it gets outside of medical procedures. The irresponsibility is astounding. My thoughts are with the Secret Service forced to play,” he wrote on Twitter…
…His brief visit outside came hours after Trump’s medical team told reporters that the president experienced two drops in his oxygen levels over the course of his COVID-19 diagnosis, is being treated with a steroid, and could be discharged from Walter Reed as early as Monday. Medical experts raised skepticism about such a quick release given the other details shared by the president’s medical team.
October 4, 2020: KSBY posted an article titled: “Attorney General William Bar to self-quarantine”. From the article:
Attorney General William Barr will self-quarantine out of caution after President Donald Trump and several other lawmakers and aides tested positive for the coronavirus.
Justice Department spokesperson Kerri Kupec said Sunday that Barr has had four COVID-19 tests since Friday, and all have come back negative. She says he will self-quarantine for several days out of an abundance of caution.
Barr attended one meeting at Justice Department headquarters on Friday adn stayed home during the weekend, except to be tested. He plans to remain home for several days.
Barr attended the White House event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett last weekend, and was seen on video having a conversation with former Trump aide Kellyanne Conway, who has tested positive for coronavirus. Neither was wearing a mask.
October 4, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “DeWine says White House did not contact him about possible Covid-19 exposure to Ohioans after Trump diagnosis”. It was written by Chandelis Duster. From the article:
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Sunday that he has not been contacted by the White House about potential Covid-19 exposure in his state after President Donald Trump tested positive for the virus days after his Cleveland debate.
“Well, they have not reached out to me. I know that I talked to the CEO of the Cleveland Clinic the other day who gave me an update, who gave me a report so I don’t know whether they have reached out to Cleveland Clinic or not. They have not talked to me about it, no,” the Republican governor told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
The President participated in the first presidential debate against Democrat Joe Biden in Cleveland last week. DeWine said that he didn’t attend the debate, but conceded to Tapper that he wished the President wore a mask more often.”Do I wish — look do I wish the President had worn a mask all the time? Of course. You know, of course,” he said…
…DeWine and his wife announced Friday they tested negative for the virus…
October 5, 2020: First Lady Melania Trump tweeted: “My family is greatful for all of the prayers & support! I am feeling good & will continue to rest at home. Thank you to medical staff & caretakers everywhere, & my continued prayers for those who are ill or have a family member impacted by the virus.”
October 5, 2020: Kayleigh McEnany, White House Press Secretary, tweeted an image of a statement:
After testing negative consistantly, including every day since Thursday, I tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning while experiencing no symptoms. No reporters, producers, or members of the press are listed as close contacts by the White House Medical Unit. Moreover, I definitely had no knowledge of Hope Hicks’ diagnoss prior to holding a White House press briefing on Thursday. As an essential worker, I have worked diligently to provide needed information to the American People at this time. With my recent positive test, I will begin the quarantine process and will continue working on behalf of the American People remotely.
October 5, 2020: Jim Acosta, CNN’s Chief White House correspondent, tweeted: “She was not wearing a mask during a gaggle with reporters yesterday.” The tweet included a photo of Kayleigh McEnany wearing black and a necklace with a cross on it. She is not wearing a mask.
October 5, 2020: Ben Siegel, ABC reporter/producer covering the 2020 campaign and Capitol Hill, tweeted: “McEnany did not wear a mask when she spoke to reporters at the White House yesterday”. The tweet is in response to Kayleigh McEnany’s tweet which included her statement.
October 5, 2020: Representative Salud Carbajal (Democrat – California) posted a press release titled: “Carbajal issues Statement After Exposure to Individual with COVID-19”. From the press release:
Congressman Carbajal issued the following statement after becoming exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19:
“No one is immune to contracting coronavirus and Congress is certainly no exception. Despite taking every precaution – including wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand-washing – I learned I was exposed to an individual who tested positivefor COVID-19. I immediately got tested, which thankfully came back negative and I will continue to consult with my doctor.
“Given that symptoms may still appear up to two weeks after exposure to the virus, the House Attending Physician directed me to stay in Washington DC and quarantine for 14 days to self-monitor for symptoms. Accordingly, I will be carrying out my responsibilities virtually in order to protect the health and safety of others.”
October 5, 2020: Olivia Nuzzi, Washington correspondent New York Magazine, tweeted: “NEWS: @NYMag has confirmed that Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California has tested POSITIVE for COVID-19. Pastor Laurie was at the Prayer March on the Mall with Mile Pence and Franklin Graham and the ABC Rose Garden event later that day.” This tweet was the start of a thread.
October 5, 2020: Olivia Nuzzi tweeted: “A church official tells me that members of the church learned of Pastor Laurie’s positive test result on SUNDAY.”
October 5, 2020: Olivia Nuzzi tweeted: “A church official tells me that Pastor Laurie “is experiencing mild symptoms and he and his family are quarantining at home.”
October 5, 2020: Olivia Nuzzi tweeted: “The Prayer March on the National Mall that preceded the ABC Rose Garden event was attended by THOUSANDS, few of them wearing masks. Laurie, who is now positive, then went to the White House. When and where was he infected? How many others from the Prayer March are sick too?” This tweet was the end of the thread.
October 5, 2020: Paula Reid, White House Correspondent CBS News tweeted: “I sat in close proximity to two maskless, now COVID positive, White House staffers at last Thursday’s briefing. So I am now working from home & getting regular COVID tests.”
The tweet included a photo of herself, sitting in an empty row of seats at and wearing a mask. Behind her are several other reporters who are wearing masks and social distancing. Two arrows have been added to the photo, both of them starting with Paula Reid. One arrow points to Kayleigh McEnany, who is speaking at a podium. Another points to a man in a suit whi is not wearing a mask. He is sitting at the end of a row of seats separate from the press area.
The tweet was the start of a thread.
October 6, 2020: Paula Reid tweeted: “Noticing a sharp uptick in social media trolling from 1am – 6am lately. * Many * of the anti-mask/disinformation comments on this tweet started around the same time people in Moscow would be getting up. [face with a monacle emoji]”
October 6, 2020: Paula Reid tweeted: “Working from home & getting tested (seen here this AM) is what responsible adults do when exposed to COVID. But it’s much easier for those of us who have access to rapid testing & still get paid when not at work. Tested negative at WH the morning of briefing & again today. [thumbs up emoji]” This was the end of the thread.
October 5, 2020: Desert Sun posted an article titled: “Riverside pastor Greg Laurie, who attended White House event, tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Nicole Hayden. From the article:
A Southern California pastor who attended two high-profile Washington D.C. events on Sept. 26, including a prayer march that saw an appearance by Vice President Mike Pence as well as a ceremony to nominate Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court, has tested positive for COVID-19.
Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside – who has served as one of President Donald Trump’s key evangelical advisers – posted an Instagram video on Monday confirming his diagnosis.
Laurie said he and his wife have been in quarantine since learning of his positive test. No other family members have tested positive, according to his post.
Laurie recently participated in evanglist Franklin Graham’s Prayer March 2020, which drew thousands to prayer at the National Mall including Pence and his wife Karen. The event preceded Barrett’s nomination ceremony at the White House later that day…
…Laurie said Monday that his symptoms have been mild so far. He said his symptoms started with fatigue, aches and pains, a fever and loss of taste…
…Known for his large-scale evangelistic Christian events Harvest Crusades, Laurie did not mention his attendance at the Barrett nomination nor his participation in the Prayer March. However, in photos and videis that Laurie posted on his Twitter account, he can be seen without a mask and not social distancing among Prayer March attendees…
October 6, 2020: Paula Reid tweeted: “Noticing a sharp uptick in social media trolling from 1am-6am lately. * Many * of the anti-mask/disinformation comments on this tweet started around the same time people in Moscow would be getting up [face with monocle emoji]”
October 6, 2020: Paul Reid tweeted: “Working from home & getting tested (seen here this AM) is what responsible adults do when exposed to #COVID. But it’s much easier for those of us who have access to rapid testing & still get paid when not at work. Tested negative at WH the morning of the briefing & again today. [thumbs up emoji]”
The tweet showed a photo of Paula Reid in her car with the window open. She has pushed her mask down to her chin so she can self-administer a rapid COVID-19 test. This was the end of a thread.
October 6, 2020: Politico updated their article titled: “Riverside megachurch pastor who attended White House event contracts Covid-19”. It was written by Carla Marnucci. From the article:
The evangelical pastor of a high-profile California megachurch with links to President Trump announced Monday he’s among those who have contracted Covid-19 following the White House event for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
Pastor Greg Laurie of Riverside’s Harvest Christian Fellowship confirmed on his Facebook page that he tested positive for the virus over the weekend.
A week earlier, he attended the Sept. 26 Prayer March on the National Mall with Vice President Mike Pence and evangelist Franklin Graham. Laurie was also on hand for the White House Rose Garden ceremony for the nomination of Barrett…
…Coverage of the event show many of the attendees, including Laurie, were unmasked, shook hands and did not follow social distancing guidelines…
…Laurie, a resident of Newport Beach, is senior pastor of a number of large-scale evangelical churches in California – the Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside; Harvest Corona in Corona; Harvest Woodcrest in Riverside; Harvest Orange County in Irvine; and Harvest Kumulani in Kapalua, Hawaii.
October 6, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive for Covid-19”. It was written by Kaitlan Collins and Jim Acosta. From the article:
Stephen Miller, a top aide to President Donald Trump, has tested positive for coronavirus, he said Tuesday.
“Over the last 5 days I have been working remotely and self-isolating, testing negative every day through yesterday. Today, I tested positive for COVID-19 and am in quarantine,” Miller said in a statement.
He is the latest official caught up at the outbreak at the White House that seen at least 10 others positive…
October 6, 2020: Politico posted an article titled: “California congresman says he got coronavirus after Sen. Mike Lee Interaction”. It was written by Jeremy B. White. From the article:
Rep. Salud Carbajal announced Tuesday he tested positive for the coronavirus and said it came after he interacted indoors with Sen. Mike Lee, who revealed he had Covid-19 hours after President Trump said he was diagnosed with the disease.
Carbajal, a Central Coast Democrat, said in a statement that he began to experience “mild symptoms” and subsequently tested positive after being exposed to someone with the virus.
His office later told POLITICO that Carbajal had interacted indoors with Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who announced his positive diagnosis Friday – hours after Trump’s Covid-19 announcement. Since then, Lee’s appearance at a Rose Garden event to formally announce the Supreme Court nomination of Amy Coney Barett has been widely scrutinized, including video of Lee hugging attendees without a mask…
October 6, 2020: Politico posted an article titled: “Top military leaders in quarantine after Coast Guard admiral tests positive for Covid-19”. It was written by Sarah Cammarata, Lara Seligman and Jacqueline Feldscher. From the article:
The nation’s top military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, are self-quarantining after coming into contact last week with the Coast Guard’s No. 2 officer, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday, according to administration officials.
Senior military leaders who attended several meetings at the Pentagon last week with Adm. Charles Ray, the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, tested negative for Covid-19 on Tuesday but are self-quarantining as a precaution, a defense official said.
Officials believe that a Friday meeting in the “tank” — the Pentagon’s secure conference room for senior military leaders — is where the virus could have spread to others, a second defense official said.
Pentagon officials are conducting additional contact tracing and taking other precautions “to protect the force and the mission,” said Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman.
“Out of an abundance of caution, all potential close contacts from these meetings are self-quarantining and have been tested this morning,” Hoffman said Tuesday afternoon. “No Pentagon contacts have exhibited symptoms and we have no additional positive tests to report at this time.”
Ray was among several military leaders who attended an event at the White House on Sept. 27 celebrating Gold Star families. A day earlier, the White House held an outdoor event as President Donald Trump officially nominated Amy Coney Barrett to be the next Supreme Court justice. Many people who attended have since tested positive, including Trump himself.
The admiral felt “mild symptoms” this weekend and got tested Monday, according to a Coast Guard statement.
Not all of the military’s leaders are under quarantine. Marine Commandant Gen. David Berger, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite were traveling last week and did not attend the Pentagon meetings with Ray.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz has also been on travel and has not been in contact with Ray, spokesperson Jay Guyer said.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff includes the chairman, vice chairman, and the four-star heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard and Space Force…
October 6, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Top White House aide Stephen Miller tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Kaitlan Collins and Jim Acosta. From the article:
Stephen Miller, a top policy advisor to President Donald Trump, has tested positive for coronavirus, he confirmed in a statement Tuesday.
“Over the last 5 days I have been working remotely and self-isolating, testing negative every day through yesterday. Today, I tested positive for COVID-19 and am in quarantine,” Miller said in a statement.
After working from home for several days, Miller showed up to work Tuesday and tested positive, a source familiar with what happened told CNN. He is the latest official caught up in an outbreak at the White House that has seen at least 10 others test positive. He’s also the latest member of the President’s team who prepped him for last week’s presidential debate to test positive…
…Miller also traveled aboard Air Force One on a Minnesota campaign trip woth Trump and Hicks. Officials have told CNN that Hicks began feeling sick while on the flight back to Washington after a fundraiser and campaign rally in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. She isolated in a separate cabin after she began displaying symptons.
Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, is Vice President Mike Pence’s communications director. She already had coronavirus several months ago and tested negative again on Tuesday morning. She traveled with Pence to Salt Lake City ahead of the vice presidential debate scheduled for Wednesday, but left the trip Tuesday out of an abundance of caution…
October 7, 2020: Bloomberg posted an article titled: “White House Security Official Contracted COVID-19 in September”. It was written by Jennifer Jacobs. From the article:
A top White House security official, Crede Bailey, is gravely ill with COVID-19 and has been hospitalized since September, according to four people familiar with his condition.
The White House has not publicaly disclosed Bailey’s illness. He became sick before the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event President Donald Trump held to announce his Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barett that has been connected to more than a dozen cases of the disease.
A White House spokesman declined to comment on Bailey…
October 7, 2020: ABC News posted an article titled: “34 people connected to White House, more than previously known, infected by coronavirus: Internal FEMA memo”. It was written by Josh Margolin and Lucien Bruggeman. From the article:
The coronavirus outbreak has infected “34 White House staffers and other contacts” in recent days, according to an internal government memo, an indication that the disease has spread among more people than previously known in the seat of American government.
Dated Wednesday and obtained by ABC News, the memo was distributed among senior leadership at FEMA, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security and the agency responsible for managing the continuing national response to the public health disaster.
The memo also notes that a senior adviser to the president is among those infected. Hope Hicks and Stephen Miller, both senior aides ot the president, have tested positive in recent days…
…When President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Tuesday, he immediately removed his mask before entering the building — setting off concern that his behavior may put staffers, complex workers, and Secret Service agents at risk…
October 7, 2020: Democracy Now posted a short article titled: “Two Presidential Valets Who Carry Nuclear Launch Codes Test Positive for Coronavirus”. From the article:
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports two of President Trump’s military aides tested positive. The aides act as valets who always travel with the president, carrying nuclear launch codes in a briefcase known as the “nuclear football.” Trump took the football with him to Water Reed hospital over the weekend, where he was administered the steroid dexamethasone, which has been linked to grandiose delusions and psychosis in some patients. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists wrote in response, “To state the obvious, we should not entrust nuclear launch authority to someone who is not fully lucid.”
October 7, 2020: Senator Cory Booker (Democrat – New Jersey) posted a press release titled: “Booker Seeks Answers from Secret Service Director James Murray and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on White House-Linked Outbreak of COVID-19”. From the press release:
U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) sent two letters seeking answers on the White House-linked outbreak of COVID-19. In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Booker requested an overview of steps that are being taken to protect the health and safety of the individuals who work on the White House grounds. In a separate letter to the Director of U.S. Secret Service James Murray, Booker requested that a full list and contact information of all individuals who attended or worked at President’s October 1st political event in Bedminster, New Jersey, be sent to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to assist with contact tracing efforts.
“My concerns have only grown with recent reports that multiple support staff have contracted COVID-19, likely stemming from contact with President Trump, other White House staff, and non-essential visitors,” Senator Booker wrote in the letter to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The President of the United States and his senior aides have access to some of the best medical care in the world, but many White House workers may not. These workers, like many Americans, may have pre-existing conditions that place them at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19, or they may be caring for loved ones who are at greater risk of suffering serious illness or death should they contract the disease. While the President and senior staff have openly flaunted CDC guidelines designed to halt the spread of the virus and the disease, support staff should not be forced to risk exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 in the course of carrying out their essential duties.”
In the letter to Director of U.S. Secret Service James Murray, Senator Booker also wrote, “New Jersey was among the hardest hit areas of the country by the COVID-19 pandemic. The progress New Jersey has made in bringing infection rates down to the lowest in the country is a testament to the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy and the collective restraint and solidarity of New Jersey’s nearly nine million residents.”
Senator Booker continued, “In order to prevent further transmission of COVID-19 in New Jersey and beyond, a full accounting and contact information of all individuals who attended, staffed, or were otherwise in close proximity to participants at the event is essential for timely contact tracing and testing.”
The full text of the letter to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows can be viewed here, and the full text of the letter to the Director of U.S. Secret Service James Murray can be viewed here.
October 7, 2020: Daily Beast posted an article titled: “White House Quietly Told Vets Group It Might Have Exposed Them To COVID”. It was written by Spencer Ackerman, Asawin Suebsaeng, Erin Banco, and Sam Stein. From the article:
On the same day President Donald Trump acknowledged contracting the coronavirus, the White House quietly informed a veterans group that there was a COVID-19 risk stemming from a Sept. 27 event honoring the families of fallen U.S. service members, the head of that charitable organization told The Daily Beast.
The White House warning, which came on Oct. 2, is the earliest known outreach to visitors of the complex that there was a risk of coronavirus emerging from the grounds where the president, the first lady, and at least 17 of his aides, according to Politico, have now tested positive for the virus…
…Pictures from the Gold Star family event, which Trump attended, show minimal mask wearing and social distancing. It took place indoors, though attendees said they were tested prior to attending. A Republican close to the White House also told The Daily Beast that others present at the event received outreach from a White House office—though not the medical office—late last week urging them to get coronavirus tests. The source described a chaotic scene in the White House as it tries to manage the internal outbreak…
…The Gold Star families event was attended by the vice commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Charles W. Ray. The Pentagon annnounced on Tuesday that Ray tested positive for coronavirus, prompting “self-quarantining” from several members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior military leaders Ray met with last week. Also at the event were Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who has tested negative, and Army Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff…
…”As a veterans organization, we are bipartisan and stay out of politics,” said [Timothy] Davis [Greatest Generations Foundation’s President and CEO]. “All Gold Star families that attended the event at the White House are doing great and have no symptoms of COVID.”
Daily Beast
October 8, 2020: Military Times posted an article titled: “Trump suggests he may have contracted coronavirus from Gold Star Families”. The article was written by Leo Shane III. From the article:
President Donald Trump suggested he may have contracted the virus from families of fallen troops during a White House event late last month because he couldn’t observe social distancing when “they want to hug me and they want to kiss me.”
The comments, made by Trump during an appearance on Fox Business on Thursday morning, come one week after administration officials announced that Trump has tested positive for the virus and 11 days after the meeting, held on Gold Star Families day…
…White House officials have come under public scrutiny in recent days for not requiring social distancing and mask wearing during events with numerous guests, including the announcement of Trump’s latest Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, the day before the Gold Star families event.
But administration officials have downplayed those concerns, saying that all visitors to the White House complex are tested and monitored for signs of illness…
…In recent days, Coast Guard Vice Commandant Adm. Charles Ray and Marine Corps Assistant Commandant Gen. Gary Thomas have tested positive for the virus, which has killed more than 210,000 Americans in the last seven months.
Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – most of whom attended the Gold Star Families event – have gone into self-quarantine in recent days in response to their exposure to those senior officials and the president.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper also attended the event. Pentagon officials said he tested negative for the virus and spent most of the last few days on official travel away from Washington…
…On Thursday, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced it will change next week’s scheduled event featuring Trump and is [sic] Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, to a virtual event because of Trump’s positive coronavirus diagnosis. Trump said in the Fox Business interview he plans on skipping the debate as a result…
Military Times
October 10, 2020: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tweeted: “I am happy to let you know that this morning I was released from Morristown Medical Center. I want to thank the extraordinary doctors & nurses who cared for me for the last week. Thanks to my family & friends for their prayers. I will have more to say about all of this next week.”
October 10, 2020: The New York Times posted an article titled: “Trump Makes First Public Apperance Since Leaving Walter Reed”. It was written by Annie Karni and Maggie Haberman. From the article:
The White House had not made public the results of President Trump’s latest coronavirus test, which he claims he took on Friday. But Mr. Trump, eager to prove he had fully recovered a week after being hospitalized for Covid-19, appeared briefly on Saturday afternoon in front of hundreds of chanting supporters gathered at the White House.
“We’ve got to vote these people into obilivion,” Mr. Trump said, re-entering the arena with his signature bluster and without any acknowledgement that he might still be contageous to those around him. His short speech, delivered from the Blue Room balcony overlooking the South Lawn, was the first time he has been seen in public since leaving the hospital on Monday. (A television interview with Fox News that aired Friday night had been pretaped).
Mr. Trump, who emerged wearing a white surgical mask, peeled it off as he began his remarks. His voice sounded strong and his aggressive message playing down the threat of the virus was unchanged. But the event that the White House had previewed as a huge “peaceful protest for law and order”, was uncharacteristically brief.
White House officials said the president would speak for 30 minutes, but he kept his remarks to just 18 minutes in total. A typical Trump rally, in contrast, often runs for at least 90 minutes. A large bandage on top of his right hand was a reminder of the treatments and infusions he had recieved over the past week. And atypical for a president who usually keeps crowds waiting, Mr. Trump started right on time…
…One White House official said that about 2,000 invitations had been sent out. But the crowd on Saturday was made up of a few hundred attendees, many of whom were in town for a gathering of the so-called Blexit movement, started by the right wing firebrand Candace Owens, which encourages Black voters to leave the Democratic Party.
Attendees were asked to fill out questionnaires and undergo temperature screenings before entering the White House complex. They were also advised to wear masks, although many in the audience did not follow those directions…
October 10, 2020: The Guardian posted in their live blog “Trump supporters gather at White House – many without masks”. From the live blog:
Trump supporters are starting to gather for his address at the White House later. White House officials have said attendees will be required to wear masks and have their temperature checked before entering. Early photos suggest that many of them are definitely not wearing masks before the address. Maybe they’re heeding the president’s workds when he said Americans shouldn’t be “afraid” of a virus that has killed more than 210,000 people in the US…
…If you’re wondering why the crowds are less white than the president’s usual events, it’s because it has partly been organized by conservative activist Candace Owens who is behind Blexit, a campaign to get Black voters to leave the Democratic party. There are reports that some of the attendees have been paid to travel to the event.
The post included three photos of the crowd. Most people are wearing Trump hats and light blue shirts that say “We The Free”. Two people in the crowd is wearing a mask correctly. Several people were wearing a mask incorrectly – by pushing down to their chin, leaving their mouth and nose exposed.
October 12, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “Trump’s physician says president tested negative for COVID-19”. It was written by Kathryn Watson. From the article:
President Trump’s physician said the president has tested negative for COVID-19, according to a memo released by the White House on Monday afternoon, about 90 minutes before he is set to hold a rally in Florida.
According to Dr. Sean Conley, the president’s physician, the president has tested negative “on consecutive days,” and is “not infectious to others.” Conley did not say on which days the president tested negative, and said rapid tests were used to determine the results, which are less accurate than PCR tests.
“It is important to note that this test was not used in isolation for the determination of the president’s current negative status,” Conley said. “Repeatedly negative antigen tests, taken in context with additional clinical and laboratory data, including viral load, subgenomic RNA, and PCR cycle threshold measurements, as well as ongoing assessment of viral culture data, all indicate a lack of detectable viral replication. The comprehensive data, in concert with the CDC’s guidelines for removal of transmission-based precautions, have informed our medical team’s assessment that the president is not infectious to others.”
Mr. Trump is set to take the stage in Sanford, Florida, at 7 p.m., for his first trip since his COVID-19 diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization…
October 13, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Labor secretary’s wife tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Tal Axelrod. From the article:
Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia’s wife tested positive for the coronavirus, the Labor Department announced Tuesday.
Trish Scalia is currently experincing “mild symptoms but doing well,” the department said. Eugene Scalia tested negative for the virus…
…It was not immediately clear where Trish Scalia contracted the virus. Both Scalias attended the Rose Garden event where President Trump announced his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, which has been linked to multiple COVID-19 cases within Trump’s circles…
October 14, 2020: The U.S. Department of Labor posted a news release titled: “Statement from U.S. Department of Labor”. From the news release:
This afternoon, doctors confirmed that U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia’s wife, Trish, tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mrs. Scalia is experiencing mild symptoms but doing well. This evening, Secretary Scalia received a test and the results were negative; he has experienced no symptoms. The Secretary and Mrs. Scalia will follow the advice of health professionals for Trish’s recovery and the health of those around them. For the time being, the Secretary will work from home while continuing to carry out the mission of the Department and the President’s agenda.
October 14, 2020: First Lady Melania Trump posted an essay titled: “First Lady Melania Trump: “My personal experience with COVID-19” on the White House website. From the essay:
It was two weeks ago when I received the diagnosis that so many Americans across our country and the world had already received—I tested positive for COVID-19. To make matters worse, my husband, and our nation’s Commander-in-Chief, received the same news.
Naturally my mind went immediately to our son. To our great relief he tested negative, but again, as so many parents have thought over the past several months, I couldn’t help but think “what about tomorrow or the next day?”. My fear came true when he was tested again and it came up positive. Luckily he is a strong teenager and exhibited no symptoms. In one way I was glad the three of us went through this at the same time so we could take care of one another and spend time together. He has since tested negative.
I was very fortunate as my diagnosis came with minimal symptoms, though they hit me all at once and it seemed to be a roller coaster of symptoms in the days after. I experienced body aches, a cough and headaches, and felt extremely tired most of the time. I chose to go a more natural route in terms of medicine, opting more for vitamins and healthy food. We had wonderful caretakers around us and we will be forever grateful for the medical care and professional discretion we received from Dr. Conley and his team. It was an unfamiliar feeling for me to be the patient instead of a person trying to encourage our nation to stay healthy and safe. It was me being taken care of now, and getting first-hand experience with all that COVID-19 can do. As the patient, and the person benefitting from so much medical support, I found myself even more grateful and in awe of caretakers and first responders everywhere. To the medical staff and the residence staff who have been taking care of our family—thank you doesn’t say enough.
Recovering from an illness gives you a lot of time to reflect. When my husband was taken to Walter Reed as a precaution, I spent much of my time reflecting on my family. I also thought about the hundreds of thousands of people across our country who have been impacted by this illness that infects people with no discrimination. We are in unprecedented times—and with the election fast approaching, it has been easy to get caught up in so much negative energy.
It also cheered me to think of all the people I have met across our country and the world—and the goodness and compassion that exists if you seek it out. Our country has overcome many hardships and much adversity, and it is my hope COVID-19 will be another obstacle we will be able to tell future generations we overcame—and learned from in the process…
…I am happy to report that I have tested negative and hope to resume my duties as soon as I can. Along with this good news, I want people to know that I understand just how fortunate my family is to have received the kind of care that we did. If you are sick, or if you have a loved one who is sick—I am thinking of you and will be thinking of you every day. I pray for our country and I pray for everyone who is grappling with COVID-19 and any other illnesses or challenges…
October 14, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “Barron Trump tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month”. It was written by Kathryn Watson. From the article:
Barron Trump tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, first lady Melania Trump announced in a a personal essay posted on the White House website.
The 14-year-old has since tested negative, as have the first lady and the president, since the two contracted the virus earlier this month. Mr. Trump, has described his battle with the virus to supporters but has not said much about his family’s experience with COVID-19. Mrs. Trump said Barron exhibited no symptoms…
October 14, 2020: Paso Robles Daily News posted an article titled: “Congressman Carbajal shares update on recovery from COVID-19”. It includes a video and a transcript of the video. From the transcript:
Hi everyone, I wanted to take a minute to thank you for all the well-wishes you continue to send to me through my office and my staff.
I also wanted to give you a brief update about my experience isolating, quarantining here as directed by my physician.
For the most part, my symptoms have been mild – I’ve had fatigue, body aches, fever, loss of appetite, and chills. Oftentimes, the symptoms would come and go.
For the most part, they’ve dissipated and the doctor’s told me that as soon as they completely dissipate I should be able to complete my quarantine and isolation.
I’m very grateful for the care I’ve received from our physicians – although it’s been remotely and phone check-ins.
As you can see, I’ve lost some weight since I last communicated with you via video. Certainly, not having an appetite it was difficult to eat anything.
But now I’m on the mend and again just wanted to let you in on an update about my status and to again remind you to please wear masks and social distance.
I’m lucky I’ve had more mild symptoms, but others have had real challenges with this virus. So, please, please follow our physicians and our medical providers’ suggestions, make sure you’re social distancing, make sure you’re wearing a mask.
And I hope to see you all very soon.
October 14, 2020: Representative Bill Huizenga (Republican – Michigan) tweeted: “Earlier today, I was expected to appear with the Vice President. While taking part in offsite testing protocols, I took a rapid test that came back positive for COVID-19. I am awaiting the results of a PCR test and I am self isolating until I have confirmed results”.
October 15, 2020: Representative Bill Huizenga (Republican – Michigan) tweeted: “Quick update: I have recieved my results from the PCR test confirming that I am positive for COVID-19. I will continue to self-isolate through the duration and serve the people of West Michigan. Thank you to the medical professionals who deal with these cases on a daily basis.” This wa the start of a thread.
October 15, 2020: Representative Bill Huizenga (Republican – Michigan) tweeted: “I deeply appreciate all those who have reached out and will continue to keep West Michigan updated on the status of my recovery.” This was the end of the thread.
October 15, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Biden campaign halts Kamala Harris’ travel after two people in campaign’s orbit test positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Eric Bradner. From the article:
Joe Biden’s campaign is halting the travel of his running mate, California Sen. Kamala Harris, through this weekend after two people — a flight crew member and Haris’ communication director, Liz Allen — tested positive for coronavirus.
A staff member for the charter company that flies Biden also tested positive Thursday, his campaign said, but Biden’s travel schedule is not changing because the former vice president did not come within 50 feet of the person.
Harris was not in what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define as close contact with either person, Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon said in a statement. Still, Harris’ planned trip to North Carolina on Thursday was scrapped, and she will remain off the road until Monday, she said…
…Harris has taken two PCR tests for coronavirus since October 8, including a test Wednesday, and has tested negative, O’Malley Dillon said.
The Biden campaign’s immediate disclosure of the positive results was in stark contrast with how Trump’s campaign and White House have handled positive coronavirus tests from Trump himself as well as top campaign officials and aides. Trump’s White House still has not disclosed when Trump had most recently tested negative for coronavirus prior to his positive test.
The two people were with Harris on a flight on October 8, the day after her debate with Vice President Mike Pence…
…Before and after the flight, both Allen and the flight crew member tested negative, and all other staffers on the flight have tested negative, she said…
…Biden’s campaign also scrapped the plans of Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, to travel to Minnesota, where he’d planned to campaign with Jill Biden, on Thursday. But because he had not been in contact with either person, the campaign said, he will return to in-person campaigning on Friday.
Hours after announcing the change to Harris’ schedule, Biden’s campaign said it had learned — through the process of contact tracing following the Harris flight crew member who tested positive — that an administrative staffer for the charter flight company that flies Biden also tested positive…
October 20, 2020: Steve Holland, who covers the White House and U.S. politics for Reuters, tweeted: “From Melania Trump chief of staff Stephanie Grisham: “Mrs. Trump continues to feel better ever day following her recovery from COVID-19, but with a lingering cough, and out of an abundance of caution, she will not be traveling today.”
October 24, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Two Loeffler staffers test positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Jordan Williams. From the article:
Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) has tested negative for coronavirus after two of her staffers tested positive.
Loeffler’s office said in a statement on Saturday that she was tested for COVID-19 on Friday after two of her staffers tested positive. It is unclear when the staffers were tested.
“On Friday, Senator Loeffler was tested for COVID-19 after learning that two of her Senate staffers had tested positive,” the statement said. “Senator Loeffler tested negative.
“Senator Loeffler is more than energized than ever to vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett as the next Supreme Court Justice on Monday, returning home and traveling the state to meet with hardworking Georgians,” her office said…
October 24, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Pence Adviser Marty Obst tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Mariana Pitofsky. From the article:
One of Vice President Pence’s closest advisers, Marty Obst, tested positive for COVID-19 this week, according to multiple reports.
The adviser tested positive on Wednesday, Bloomberg News first reported. It was not immediately confirmed whether Obst is experiencing symptoms from the virus.
Obst is not a Trump administration employee, although he is frequently in contact with the vice president and visits the grounds of the White House, according to Bloomberg. He was last in contact with Pence about a week ago.
Pence on Saturday traveled to Florida to give a speech at a campaign event…
October 24, 2020: The Hill posted article titled: “Pence’s chief of staff tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Brett Samuels. From the article:
Vice President Pence’s chief of staff tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, but the vice president intends to plow ahead with a busy campaign schedule, his office said.
“Today, Marc Short, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, tested positive for COVID-19, began quarantine and assisting in the contact tracing process,” Pence’s press secretary Devin O’Malley said in a statement. “Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence both tested negative for COVID-19 today, and remain in good health.”
“While Vice President Pence is considered a close contact with Mr. Short, in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the Vice President will maintain his schedule in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel,” O’Malley said.Short is the latest White House official to contract the virus, and he is the second person close to Pence whose case became public on Saturday. But Short is in regular contact with the vice president, increasing Pence’s risk of exposure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines urge individuals who are considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to stay home for 14 days from their last contact with that individual.
Pence has maintained an aggressive travel schedule in recent weeks, and it is only expected to intensify in the final week of the campaign. He spent Saturday in Florida and will travel to North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Minnesota in the coming days, among other states…
October 24, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Documents show Trump campaign ignored coronovirus guidelines at guidelines at Duluth rally: report”. It was written by Celine Castronuovo. From the article:
President Trump’s reelection campaign seemingly ignored previously agreed upon health guidelines at its Sept. 30 rally in Duluth, Minn., just two days before the president was diagnosed with COVID-19, according to documents obtained by The Washington Post.
The Post reported Saturday that in the days leading up to the Duluth rally, the Trump campaign signed an agreement with local officials to follow health guidelines aimed at limiting the spread of the virus, including capping rally attendance at 250 people.
However, as Trump supporters arrived at the tarmac of Duluth International Airport hours ahead of the rally, with many not socially distancing or wearing face masks, an airport official contacted the campaign.
“We have been notified that the 250 person limit has been exceeded,” an airport representative reportedly wrote in an email. “This email serves as our notice of a contract violation and we are requesting you remedy the situation.”
According to the Post, the campaign did not respond to the email or take any actions to address the warning.
Airport officials later estimated that more than 2,500 people attended the Duluth rally.
The Post reported that additional emails and documents obtained through open-records requests showed that while local officials suspected the campaign would not adhere to the agreement, they resisted directly enforcing the guidelines due to fear of backlash.
“We will not incite an incident by unilaterally taking physical action to close the event,” Tom Werner, the airport’s executive director, reportedly wrote to the airport’s appointed board members the morning before the rally.
In a statement to the Post, the Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) said, “It was made clear to the Trump Campaign, in the lead up to the event, that compliance with the State of Minnesota’s current public health executive orders was an expectation of the DAA.”
According to the Post, Minnesota public health officials have traced 19 coronavirus cases to a pair of Trump rallies in the state in September, with three tied to the Duluth event…
October 25, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “At least 5 of Vice President Pence’s aides test positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Kaitlan Collins, Jeremy Diamond, Jim Acosta, Daniella Diaz, Kevin Liptak and Betsy Klein. From the article:
At least five people in Vice President Mike Pence’s orbit have tested positive for coronavirus in recent days, including chief of staff Marc Short, close aide Zach Bauer and outside adviser Marty Obst, sources told CNN…
…Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence each tested negative for coronavirus on Sunday, a White House official said. Despite contact with multiple people who recently tested positive, Mike Pence is refusing to quarantine in defiance of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Pence’s office announced Saturday evening that Short had been diagnosed with Covid-19. Sources told CNN that Obst, who is a senior political adviser to Pence but is not a government employee, and at least three staffers in Pence’s office have also tested positive for the virus.
Bauer, one of the staffers who tested positive, according to two sources familiar with the matter, is Pence’s “body man,” meaning his job is to accompany Pence throughout the day and night helping him with a wide range of duties, putting him in close proximity to the vice president. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that Bauer has not been in the office since Tuesday, when he went home to quarantine after coming into contact with Obst. Bauer tested positive Saturday…
…Pence — who is the head of the White House’s coronavirus task force — plans to continue traveling and campaigning every day in the final stretch to Election Day, an official told CNN.
After North Carolina later on Sunday, Pence is going to Minnesota on Monday and back to North and South Carolina on Tuesday. He’s also expected to return to the upper Midwest this week. The official said Pence would continue to be tested but, like Trump, still plans to be on the road every day for the next week.
The developments raise new questions about safety protocols and transparency within the White House as the pandemic has killed at least 225,000 Americans…
…Pence, who is known to rarely wear a mask while flying on Air Force Two, traveled on Saturday to Florida for campaign rallies in Lakeland and Tallahassee. The vice president walked across the tarmac from Marine Two in a mask and boarded Air Force Two about an hour behind schedule…
…Short has been seen on the campaign trail actively eschewing the use of masks for months, including earlier this week traveling aboard Air Force Two. Neither Pence nor Short wore a mask on Pence’s trip on Thursday and Friday.
As chief of staff to Pence, Short has been a key aide involved with the US coronavirus response. He has been reported to have advocated for an economy-first approach to the pandemic…
…The CDC has issued guidance that says people should stay home for 14 days after having contact with a person who has Covid-19…
October 30, 2020: Governor Brian Kemp (Republican – Georgia) tweeted an image with the following statement:
Statement from the Office of Gov. Brian P. Kemp
“Following a negative COVID-19 PCR test result for both the Governor and the First Lady, the Governor is currently quarantining due to direct exposure within the last 48 hours to an individual who recently tested positive. At this time, the First Lady is not known to have been exposed to a confirmed case. The Governor is not currently experiencing any symptoms and will be quaranting, per Department of Public Health guidance. The Governor spoke with Dr. Toomey this afternoon and will continue to follow her expert guidance. We will provide futher updates at the appropriate time.”
Governor Brian Kemp’s tweet was retweeted by First Lady Marty Kemp.
October 30, 2020: Representative Drew Ferguson (Republican – Georgia) tweeted an image with the following statement:
“Last night I began feeling mild symptoms consistent with a cold, with no fever. This morning when I began running a slight fever, I immediately took a COVID test which has come back positive. Following the advice of my physician, I will be self-quarantining and working from home. I have also notified the Office of the Attending Physician in Congress and asked for their guidance. While the vast majority of my recent schedule has been virtual, we are beginning the process of reaching out to anyone I have seen in recent days. I am eager to get back to work and will do so as soon as I have fully recovered.”
October 30, 2020: The Hill reported: Ferguson attended a rally Tuesday with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and Kemp’s wife, who both announced Friday that they are quarantining while awaiting test results.
October 31, 2020: CNBC posted an article titled: “Trump campaign rallies led to more than 30,000 coronavirus cases, Stanford researchers say”. It was written by Berkley Lovelace Jr. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies led to more than 30,000 coronavirus cases, according to a new paper posted by researchers at Stanford.
Researchers looked at 18 Trump rallies held between June 20 and Sept. 22 and analyzed Covid-19 data the weeks following each event. They compared the counties where the events were held to other counties that had a similar trajectory of confirmed Covid-19 cases prior to the rally date. Out of the 18 rallies analyzed, only three were indoors, according to the research.
The researchers found that the rallies ultimately resulted in more than 30,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19. They also concluded that the rallies likely led to more than 700 deaths, though not necessarily among attendees.
The researchers said the findings support the warnings and recommendations of public health officials concerning the risk of Covid-19 transmission at large group gatherings, “particularly when the degree of compliance with guidelines concerning the use of masks and social distancing is low.”
“The communities in which Trump rallies took place paid a high price in terms of disease and death,” said B. Douglas Bernheim, chairman of Stanford’s economics department and a lead author of the paper, wrote.
The paper, which has not undergone a peer review yet, was published on open access preprint platform SSRN….
…The researchers said they had to overcome “significant challenges,” acknowledging that the dynamics of Covid-19 are “complex,” and “even the most superficial examination of the data reveals that the process governing the spread of Covid-19 differs across counties.”
The new research comes as the coronavirus continues to rapidly spread across the United States. The U.S. continued to set new highs for infections this week, with Friday marking a record 99,321 daily new cases, bringing the seven-day average of daily new cases to a new high at 78,738, a CNBC analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University showed…
November 6, 2020: Bloomberg posted an article titled: “Trump’s Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows, Infected By Coronavirus”. It was written by Jennifer Jacobs, Tyler Page, and Mario Parker. From the article:
President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Mark Meadows, has told associates he has coronavirus, according to people familiar with the matter, adding to the outbreaks connected to the White House.
It wasn’t immediately clear when Meadows learned that he had contracted the virus, or whether he had developed symptoms of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus. He informed a close circle of advisers after Tuesday’s election, one of the people said…
…A Trump campaign aide, Nick Trainer, is also infected, according to two people familiar with the matter. He and campaign spokespeople declined to comment…
…Meadows was at Trump’s bedside when the president was hospitalized last month with Covid-19…
November 6, 2020: Kaitlan Collins, CNN White House Correspondent, tweeted: “Worth noting that Mark Meadows was at the election night party at the White House Tuesday that hundreds of people attended. Officials said everyone would be tested beforehand.”
November 6, 2020: Jennifer Jacobs, Senior White House reporter for Bloomberg News tweeted: “Meadows was at campaign HQ on Tuesday with Trump without a mask and again on Wednesday – also without a mask, aides tell me.”
November 6, 2020: Jennifer Jacobs, Senior White House reported for Bloomberg News tweeted: “NEWS: Along with Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, at least FOUR other White House aides currently have coronavirus, per sources. Pains where taken to keep Meadows’ illness a secret, I’m told. And people around him who knew him were told to keep quiet.”
November 9, 2020: ABC 7 WABC-TV posted an article titled: “HUD Sec. Ben Carson tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Jeremy Diamond and Betsy Klein from CNN. From the article:
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, his deputy chief of staff Coalter Baker confirmed to CNN.
“Secretary Carson has tested positive for the coronavirus. He is in good spirits and feels fortunate to have access to effective therapeutics which aid and markedly speed his recovery.” Baker said in a statement.
An aide added that Carson, 69, tested positive Monday morning at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after experiencing symptoms. He is no longer at the hospital.
Carson’s chief of staff Andrew Hughes disclosed the secretary’s positive diagnosis in an all-staff letter, writing: “He is resting at his house and is already beginning to feel better.”
Hughes also said staff would be notified if they’d been in contact with Carson and that “all precautions are being taken.”…
…Carson attended an election night party where White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and nearly every other attendee was not wearing a mask. Meadows and four others in Trump’s orbit tested positive last week.
Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, was spotted maskless at several Trump campaign events in the lead up to Election Day, including a Trump campaign rally in Waterford Township, Michigan, on October 30…
…Black Voices for Trump posts indicate that Carson and his wife, Candy, traveled to events in Florida and Georgia ahead of the election. Masks went largely unworn during the events. And the Carsons were photographed without masks, posing shoulder-to-shoulder with supporters…
November 9, 2020: USA Today posted an article titled: “David Bossie, Trump campaign adviser overseeing campaign legal challenges, has COVID-19”. It was written by Savannah Behrmann. From the article:
David Bossie, an adviser for President Donald Trump’s campaign, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to several outlets, becoming the latest in Trump’s orbit to contract the virus.
Bossie was tapped just a few days ago to head the Trump campaign’s legal challenges in contesting the outcome of the presidential election, which the president is projected to have lost.
According to ABC, Bossie tested positive on Sunday. He was in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday to participate in a press conference with the state’s Republican party about the election, and has traveled to the Trump campaign’s headquarters in Virginia several times in the last week. He was often seen not wearing a mask.
Bossie’s diagnosis was reported Monday, just a few hours after news broke that Ben Carson, the Housing and Urban Development secretary, also had tested positive for COVID-19…
November 12, 2020: Representative Don Young (Republican – Alaska) tweeted: “I have tested positive for COVID-19. I am feeling strong, following proper protocols, working from home in Alaska, and ask for privacy at this time. May God Bless Alaska.”
November 12: 2020: KTOO posted an article titled: “Alaska Rep. Don Young, 87, says he’s diagnosed with COVID-19”. It was written by Nathaniel Herz. From the article:
U.S. Representative Don Young, 87, has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced in a tweet Thursday…
…Young, a Republican, was first elected in 1973 and is now the Dean of the House, meaning he’s the longest-serving member of Congress. He’s also the chamber’s oldest member.
The Associated Press declared Wednesday that Young has won re-election over Democratic Party-endorsed independent Alyse Galvin. He was photographed at one of his fundraisers not wearing a mask and said he did not require them at this political events…
…Young made headlines early in the pandemic when he jokingly referred to COVID-19, a type of coronavirus, as the “beer virus.” He later said he didn’t fully grasp the severity of the virus and the associated public health crisis.”
November 13, 2020: Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (Democrat – Nevada) tweeted: “As part of a regular testing protocal, I underwent routine COVID-19 testing in Friday, November 13 in Carson City. A rapid test provided a positive result. I also recieved a diagnositc PCR test and those results are pending at this time”.
The tweet included screenshots of a press release:
As part of a regular testing protocol, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak underwent routine COVID-19 testing on Friday, November 13 in Carson City. A rapid test provided a positive result. The Governor also received a diagnostic PCR test and those results are pending at this time.
At this time, the Governor is not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Earlier this week, the Governor expressed feeling fatigue, however he attributed it to his demanding schedule. No other symptoms were experienced.
“It was important to me to notify Nevadans as soon as possible of my positive COVID-19 test results. I am currently not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and I have returned to my residence to begin the quarantine and isolation process. Shortly after the test result came back, I underwent a disease investigation interview with Carson City Health and Human Services,” said Gov. Sisolak. “I want to thank the health officials who assisted me through this process. They serve as a strong reminder of how proud we should all be of our State’s public health workers. With my case, I want to underscore the importance of Nevadans to stay home as much as they possibly can at this time. There were more than 1,800 new cases identified in Nevada yesterday and cases are growing at a rate of 1.3 percent, or 1,402 new cases per day.”
Prior to today’s test, the Governor has received negative results on all previous tests – including his last two regular COVID tests conducted on Monday, Nov. 2 and Friday, Nov. 6.
Consistent with guidelines from the CDC and the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Governor will isolate and continue to monitor his symptoms. He will receive daily monitoring provided by the Local Health Authority, in addition to regular check-ins from a local physician.
The Governor has been interviewed by state and local public health officials and has also proactively reached out to those who may have been close contacts. Formal contact tracing efforts are underway to ensure all close contacts are notified and informed of next steps in accordance with public health guidelines.
All public events have been cancelled at this time. The Governor remains in constant contact with his staff and his Cabinet and the work of the Governor’s Office will continue remotely.
The Governor was last in the Carson City office on Thursday, November 12. Out of an abundance of caution, all staff in the Carson City office transitioned to work from home status today. Any staff members deemed close contacts through the contact tracing process will remain in quarantine for the full period in compliance with CDC guidelines and must receive a negative test result before returning to the office upon completion of their full quarantine period.
All relevant staff members will continue to self-monitor for symptoms and quarantine at this time – including staying at home and separating themselves from others, in accordance with public health guidelines. Those staffers will be working from home and are able to conduct their regular business during this time.
November 16, 2020: Representative Don Young (Republican – Alaska) posted a press release titled: “Health Update from Congressman Don Young”. From the press release:
“There has been much speculation in the media on my current condition, and I want Alaskans to know that their Congressman is alive, feeling better, and on the road to recovery. As you know, last week, I tested positive for COVID-19. Over the weekend, I was admitted to Providence Hospital for treatment and monitoring. The team at Providence did an outstanding job, and their commitment to patient care is to be commended. I have been discharged and continue recovering and working from home in Alaska. Very frankly, I had not felt this sick in a very long time, and I am grateful to everyone who has kept me in their thoughts and prayers.
Unfortunately, a lot of what you may have heard about my condition was based on speculation in the media that did not respect my privacy. This is irresponsible, and I do not want any Alaskans to be scared of seeking testing or treatment out of privacy concerns. COVID-19 is a serious virus, and its recent surge in our state has made this a critical moment. I encourage all Alaskans to continue following CDC guidelines: practice social distancing; use a mask; avoid crowds whenever possible.
The economy, in both Alaska and our entire nation, has been devastated by this virus. This is not just a public health emergency, but an economic crisis as well. Today, we received encouraging news that a second COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown to be successful. This development represents tremendous potential, but we must continue looking out for one another. Fighting the spread of this virus is crucial if we are to recover. We cannot hunker down forever, but I sincerely believe that we will be successful in fighting COVID-19, so that we can restore our economic health in the present, and secure a bright future for all Alaskans; our children and grandchildren are depending on us. Stay safe, and may God Bless Alaska and our frontline workers.”
November 16, 2020: Representative Cheri Bustos (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “I have tested positive for the COVID virus. I am experiencing mild symptoms, but still feel well. I have been in contact with my medical provider and, per CDC guidance, am self-isolating”. This tweet was the start of a thread.
November 16, 2020: Representative Cheri Bustos (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Consistent with medical advice, I will be working remotely from my home in Illinois until cleared by my physician. All individuals that I had been in contact with have been notified. Across the country and the Congressional District I serve, COVID case numbers are skyrocketing.”
November 16, 2020: Representative Cheri Bustos (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “We must all continue to be vigilant in following public health best practices: wear a mask, practice social distancing, get your flu shot and wash your hands. The only way we will get this pandemic under control is by working together”. This tweet was the end of the thread.
November 16, 2020: Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (Democrat – Nevada) tweeted: “Today, I wanted to provide an update on my #COVID19 diagnosis. I continue to remain in good spirits with only mild head congestion. I appreciate the ongoing outpouring of support and well wishes!”
The tweet included two screenshots of a press release:
Today, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced he continues to be in good spirits and has only experienced mild head congestion related to his positive COVID-19 diagnosis.
As part of a regular testing protocol, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak underwent a routine COVID-19 testing on Friday, November 13 in Carson City. A rapid test provided a positive result. The Governor also recieved a diagnostic PCR test at that time, which has also returned a positive result.
“I appreciate the outpouring of support and well wishes from Nevadans and those across the country who have taken time to check in on me,” said Gov. Sisolak. “I again want to thank the health officials who assisted me through this process. They serve as a strong reminder of how proud we should all be of our State’s health workers. My focus remains on addressing the record surge the State is currently experiencing and my administration continues to work around the clock to serve Nevadans through this ongoing pandemic.”
The Governor continues to isolate and monitor symptoms. He is recieveing daily monitoring provided by the Local Health Authority, in addition to check-ins from a local physician.
Prior to the positive results on Friday, the Governor has received negative results on all previous tests – including his last two regular COVID tests conducted on Monday, Nov. 2 and Friday, Nov. 6.
The Governor remains in constant contact with his staff and his Cabinet and the work of the Governor’s Office will continue remotely.
The Governor was last in the Carson City office on Thursday, November 12. Any staff members deemed close contacts through the contact tracing process will remain in quarantine for the full period of compliance with CDC guidelines and must receive a negative test result before returning to the office upon completion of their full quarantine period. Those staffers will be working from home and are able to conduct their regular business during this time.
The Governor’s Office has followed all public health and safety protocols including temperature checks, wearing face coverings, social distancing and strict hygiene procedures.
November 17, 2020: Senator Chuck Grassley (Republican – Iowa) posted a statement titled: “Statement from Sen. Grassley on Exposure to COVID-19”. From the statement:
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley today issued the following statement regarding exposure to COVID-19.
“I learned today that I’ve been exposed to the coronavirus. I will follow my doctors’ orders and immediately quarantine as I await my test results. I’m testing well and not currently experiencing any symptoms, but it’s important we follow public health guidelines to keep each other healthy.”
Grassley will continue his business for the people of Iowa virtually at home.
November 17, 2020: CBC News posted an article titled: “Chuck Grassley, second oldest senator, tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Grace Segers. From the article:
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who at 87 is the second oldest member of the Senate, said in a statement that he had been tested positive for the coronavirus. Grassley announced that he had been exposed to someone with the virus earlier on Tuesday.
“This morning, I learned that I had been exposed to the coronavirus. I received a COVID-19 test and immediately began to quarantine. While I still feel fine, the test came back positive for the coronavirus. I am continuing to follow my doctor’s orders and CDC guidelines,” Grassley said. He added that he would continue to work from home, and said his Senate offices would remain open…
In his statement earlier on Tuesday, Grassleysaid he would “immediately quarantine” as he awaited test results…
…Grassley did not get tested for the coronavirus after Senator Mike Lee, a felow member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, tested positive last month…
November 17, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Colorado Democrat Ed Perlmutter tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Tal Axelrod. From the article:
Colorado Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D) announced Tuesday that he’s tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the latest House lawmaker to be diagnosed with the virus.
Perlmutter said in a statement that he is currently asymptomatic and will isolate in his Washington apartment as he works remotely.
“I’ve been taking precautions like so many other Coloradans over the past eight months. This serves as an important reminder that this virus is highly contageous and should be taken seriously. As we enter the holiday season, I encourage everyone to heed the warnings of no personal gatherings, social distancing and wearing a mask,” he said…
…Perlmutter’s diagnosis comes amid a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country. The Capitol’s attending physician launched a new testing program for members and staff on Monday amid the surge to try to ensure that a building that houses employees who travel between Washington, D.C., and their districts across the country is not ravaged by a related flood of infections.
November 18, 2020: Representative Dan Newhouse (Republican – Washington) tweeted: “I began to feel a little run down yesterday, so I took a COVID-19 test. Last night, the results came back positive for the virus. My symptoms remain mild, and I am following CDC guidelines. I am quarantining and will continue to serve the people of Central Washington from home.”
November 18, 2020: The Hill reported: Newhouse voted on the House floor Monday night with several other lawmakers.
November 20, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Ben Carson says he’s ‘out of the woods’ after being ‘extremely sick’ with COVID-19”. It was written by Tal Axelrod. From the article:
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said Friday that he is feeling better after what appeared to be a serious bout of the coronavirus.
In a Facebook post, Carson, who is a medical doctor, said he believes he is “out of the woods” after being “extremely sick” with the highly infectious virus and that he believes an experimental treatment he took saved his life.
“I was extremely sick and initially took Oleander 4X with dramatic improvement. However, I have several co-morbidities and after a brief period when I only experienced minor discomfort, the symptoms accelerated and I became desperately ill. President Trump was following my condition and cleared me for the monoclonal antibody therapy that he had previously received, which I am convinced saved my life,” he wrote, referring to a treatment that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or a proven COVID-19 therapeutic…
…Carson, 69, first announced earlier this month that he’d tested positive for the coronavirus. It was not immediately clear which monoclonal antibody treatment Carson received or if he received Regeneron’s experimental antibody treatment that Trump received when he had his own battle with the coronavirus…
November 20, 2020: CNN posted an article titled: “Florida Republican senator says he has Covid-19”. It was written by Daniella Diaz. From the article:
Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said in a statement Friday morning he has tested positive with Covid-19, adding to the number of lawmakers in recent days that have tested positive with the virus.
“After several negative tests, I learned I was positive this morning,” he said in a statement. “I am feeling good and experiencing very mild symptoms. I will be working from home in Naples until it is safe for me to return to Washington D.C.”
Scott, who is the chairman of the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, had campaigned last week with Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler who are both facing January runoff races for reelection in Georgia. Scott announced last Saturday that he had been possibly exposed to the virus and that he would isolate while awaiting test results…
…This case brings CNN’s tally to 26 House members and nine senators that have so far tested positive or been presumed positive since the start of the pandemic.
The increased number in positive lawmakers from both parties and chambers of Congress coincides with the uptick of cases across the country. The House began offering Covid-19 testing for members this week, eight months after the pandemic began.
November 20, 2020: The Associated Press posted an article titled: “Spokesman: Trump’s eldest son tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Jonathan Lemire. From the article:
Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, was quarantining Friday after learning he has been infected with the coronavirus, a spokesperson said.
The younger Trump learned his diagnosis at the beginning of the week and has had no symptoms, said the spokesperson, who was granted anonymity to discuss private medical information.
Trump Jr. is following all medically recommend guidelines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, the spokesperson added.
The 42-year-old is the latest member of the president’s family to become infected with a virus that has killed more than 250,000 Americans and infected nearly 12 million others…
November 20, 2020: Andrew H. Giuliani (son of Rudy Guliani) tweeted: “This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I am experiencing mild symptoms, and am following all appropriate protocals, including being in quarantine and conducting contact tracing.”
November 20, 2020: Jenna Ellis, Senior Legal Advisor for Trump’s legal team, tweeted: “Mayor @RudyGiuliani and I have both tested negative for COVID-19. The entire legal team will continue to follow the advice and protocols of our doctors.”
November 21, 2020: The New York Times posted an article titled: “Andrew Giuliani, a White House official, tests positive after attending a news conference with his father and other Trump lawyers”. It was written by Maggie Haberman and Katherine J. Wu. From the article:
Andrew Giuliani, a White House official and son of President Trump’s personal lawyer, announced on Twitter on Friday that he had tested positive for the coronavirus. He is the latest in a string of administration officials, including Mr. Trump himself, to contract the virus…
…Mr. Giuliani, who is not known to wear a mask at the White House, attended a news conference on Thursday with his father, Rudolph W. Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer who is leading efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The news conference was held in a small room packed with dozens of people at the Republican National Committee in Washington. Three other lawyers that the elder Mr. Giuliani called the president’s “elite strike force” team were also at the lectern: Jenna Ellis, Joseph diGenova and Sidney Powell…
…The elder Mr. Giuliani and the younger Mr. Giuliani had spent most of the week together, according to a person familiar with their interactions, blurring the timeline during which the virus could have hopped from one to the other…
…Andrw Giuliani is only the latest case in what one White House official not authorized to speak publicly described on Friday as another outbreak at the complex. There are at least four other people who have tested positive in the recent days in addition to the younger Mr. Giuliani, said the official.
Those test results have come as the small dining room near the West Wing, referred to as the Navy Mess, was reopened this week with limited seating, the official said…
November 21, 2020: Stephen Lawson, a spokesperson for Kelly Loffler’s campaign, tweeted: “My statement on Senator Loeffler’s COVID testing. She has no symptoms and is in good spirits, and appreciates everyone’s well wishes and support.”
The tweet included the statement:
Loeffler Campaign Statement on COVID Testing
Today, Loeffler campaign spokesperson Stephen Lawson issued the following statement:
“Senator Loeffler took two COVID tests on Friday morning. Her rapid test results were negative and she was cleared to attend Friday’s events. She was informed later in the evening after public events on Friday that her PCR test came back positive, but she was retested Saturday morning after conferring with medical officials and those results came back inconclusive on Saturday evening. Senator Loeffler followed CDC guidelines by notifying those with whom she had sustained direct contact while she awaits further test results.
She has no symptoms and she will continue to follow CDC guidelines by quaranting until retesting is conclusive and an update will be provided at that time.”
November 21, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Loeffler isolating after possible COVID-19 infection”. It was written by Jordan Williams. From the article:
Sen. Kelly Loffler (R-Ga.) is self isolating after a possible COVID-19 infection, her campaign said Saturday night.
Stephen Lawson, a spokesperson for her campaign, said in a statement, that Loeffler, took two tets Friday morning, including a rapid test that was negative, and she was cleared to attend two campaign events with Vice President Pence.
After her events, she was told that a polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) came back positive, the spokesman said. The senator was retested onSaturday and the results were “inconclusive,” Lawson said…
…Loeffler is facing reelection against Democratic challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock in a runoff on Jun. 5. The race is one of two that will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.
Recently, she’s held joint events with Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), who is facing his own critical runoff against Jon Ossoff (D), and campaigned with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). He campaign events have drawn large crowds where not many people wear masks and socially distance, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
November 22, 2020: California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat – California) tweeted: “Late Friday evening, @JenSeibelNewsom and I learned that 3 of our children had been exposed to an officer from the California Highway Patrol who had tested positive for COVID-19”. This is the start of a short thread.
November 22, 2020: California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat – California) tweeted: “Jen and I had no direct interaction with the officer and wish them a speedy recovery. Thankfully, the entire family tested negative today. However, consistent with local guidance, we will be quarantining for 14 days.”
November 22, 2020: California Governor Gavin Newsom (Democrat – California) tweeted: “We are grateful for all the officers that keep our family safe and for every frontline worker who continues to go to work during this pandemic.” This is the end of the thread.
November 25, 2020: Congresswoman Susie Lee (Democrat – Nevada) tweeted: “My statement on my mothers’ passing and my COVID-19 positivity”.
The tweet included a screenshot of her statement, titled; “Rep. Lee Statement on Mother’s Passing, Congresswoman’s COVID-19 Positivity”. From the statement:
U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.-03) released the following statement on the passing of her mother, Joan Kelley, and on the Congresswoman’s positive COVID-19 test result:
“It is difficult for me to write this tonight, but I am heartbroken to share the news that my mother passed away yesterday evening after months of deteriorating health. This has been an extremely difficult couple of days for my family. I’m going to share more in the coming days about my mom and the pivotal role she played in shaping my life and the lives of my siblings.
“I traveled to Ohio on Monday because my mother had begun to recieve in-home hospice care. I took precautions to maintain social distance and wear a mask, and out of an abundance of caution, took a COVID-19 test before arriving in Ohio and again today. While I tested negative as recently as Sunday, I unfortunately tested positive today for COVID-19. I am curently asymptomatic and plan to participate in remote memorial services for my mother over the weekend. Starting next week, I will continue my congressional work remotely while isolating until I know it is safe to exit isolation.”
November 25, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “USAID administrator tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Justine Coleman. From the article:
John Barsa, the acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
Acting USAID spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala told The Hill in a statement that Barsa tested positive on Wednesday for the coronavirus after a rapid diagnostic test.
“The Acting Deputy Administrator has been isolating since he began exhibiting symptoms late Monday, November 23, and will continue to until a retest is conclusive,” Jhunjhunwala said.
Barsa reportedly informed senior staff on Wednesday of his positive test, two sources familiar with the call told Axios. Staffers told the news outlet that Barsa rarely wears a mask in their office…
…The acting USAID administrator was scheduled to travel to Honduras this weekend after the country was hit by Hurricane Eta and Hurricane Iota, but administrators told Axios they believe the trip will be canceled after the test results…
November 25, 2020: CBS News posted an article titled: “Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Jordan Freiman. From the article:
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Wednesday.
“Governor Mark Gordon received results today of a COVID-19 test that showed he is positive for the virus,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “He has only minor symptoms at this time and plans to continue working on behalf of Wyoming remotely.”
Last Thursday, Gordon, a Republican, announced new restrictions in the state as COVID-19 infection rates surged there and throughout the country. Indoor gatherings are limited to 25% capacity with social distancing while outdoor gatherings are capped at 50% capacity with social distancing. No mask mandate was announced.
The state has reported over 26,000 confirmed cases and 215 deaths, according to the Wyoming Department of Health…
November 25, 2020: Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Democrat – Colorado) tweeted: “This evening, I learned that I was exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19. I took a test tonight and tested negative but will begin quarantine, per CDC and CDPHE guidance.”
The tweet included an image of a statement from Governor Jared Polis. It provided information that was similar to what was in the tweet.
November 28, 2020: Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Democrat) tweeted: “This evening I learned that First Gentleman Marlon Reis and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are both asymptomatic, feeling well, and will continue to isolate at home.”
The tweet included a screenshot of a statement:
This evening, Governor Polis and First Gentleman Reis learned that they have tested positive for COVID-19. They are both asymptomatic, feeling well, and will continue to isolate in their home.
“Marlon andI are feeling well so far, and are in good spirits. No person or family is immune to this virus. I urge every Coloradan to practice caution, limit public interactions, wear a mask in public, stay six feet from others, and wash your hands regularly,” said Governor Polis.
The Governor will continue to be closely monitored. Gov. Polis will continue to fulfill his duties and responsibilities and continue to work remotely…
December 6, 2020: Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Democrat) tweeted: “Tonight, First Gentleman Marlon Reis started experiencing slightly worsening cough and shortness of breath. I took him to the hospital for review and treatment”.
The tweet included a screenshot of a statement:
Over the last 24 hours, First Gentleman Marlon Reis started to experience a slightly worsening cough and shortness of breath on day eight after being diagnosed with COVID.
As a precaution, the First Gentleman has been transported to the hospital for review and treatment. Governor Polis is not experiencing any additional symptoms at this time.
The Governor drove the First Gentleman in his personal vehicle to the hospital. We will continue to update the general public as new information is available.
December 6, 2020: President Donald Trump tweeted: “.@RudyGiuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon, Rudy, we will carry on!!!”
December 6, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Rudy Giuliani has coronavirus, Donald Trump says”. It was written by Amanda Holpuch. From the article:
Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, has tested positive for COVID-19, the president tweeted on Sunday.
Giuliani, 76 and a former mayor of New York City, has been leading Trump’s attempt to overturn his election defeat by Joe Biden, through lawsuits in battleground states.
Trump did not specify when Giuliani tested positive or if he was experiencing symptoms. Giuliani did not immediately comment. Citing an anonymous source, the New York Times reported that Giuliani was being treated at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC…
…Hours before Trump made the announcement, Giuliani was interviewed on Fox News. He appeared in good spirits while sharing baseless claims of election fraud during the 10-minute interview.
Though Giuliani is a high risk of complications from the virus because of his age, he has been traveling frequently in the aftermath of the election, often appearing in public without a mask.
Last week, he appeared maskless before state lawmakers in Michigan, to challenge votes in the state. On Thursday, he spoke at the Georgia capitol building in a crowded legislative session, again without a mask…
…Giuliani has repeatedly been exposed to be others who tested positive including after his son, Andrew…
…As Christmas approaches, the White House is hosting a string of holiday parties featuring large crowds indoors. Photos from a party on Tuesday showed people without masks engaging in the festivities…
December 6, 2020: AZCentral posted an article titled: “Arizona Legislature shuts down after Rudy Guiliani possibly exposed lawmakers to COVID-19”. From the article:
The Arizona Legislature will close for a week “out of an abundance of caution” after Rudy Giuiliani, Donald Trump’s personal attorney, possibly exposed several Republican lawmakers to COVID-19.
The president announced Giuliani had tested positive for the virus Sunday, less than a week after the former New York City mayor visited Arizona as part of a multistate tour aimed at contesting 2020 election results. He was later admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center.
Giuliani spent more than 10 hours discussing election concerns with Arizona Republicans – including two members of Congress and at least 10 current and future state lawmakers – at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix last Monday. The 76-year-old led the meeting maskless, flouting social distancing guidelines and posing for photos.
He also met privately with Republican lawmakers and legislative leadership the next day, according to lawmakers’ social media posts….
…U.S. Reps. Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs attended Giuliani’s Phoenix meeting, sitting behind Giuliani. State lawmakers Mark Finchem, Bret Roberts, Nancy Barto, Leo Biasiucci, David Cook, Kelly Townsend, David Gowan, Sonny Borrelli and Sylvia Allen sat together on a panel at the front of the room. A handful of other GOP legislators were in the audience.
They spend hours listening to Giuliani question multiple “witnesses” – who were not placed under oath – about how elections can be infiltrated and why they thought Arizona’s election results may have been compromised.
Some GOP lawmakers scheduled to take office next month, such as Representative-elect Judy Burges and Senator-elect Wendy Rogers, were in the audience. Attendees were spread out, but a photo posted by the Arizona Republican Party showed many participants, including Giuliani and Trump legal adviser Jenna Ellis, posing close together for a group photo.
On Tuesday, Giuliani met with more Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Rusty Bowers, House Majority Leader Warren Peteren, Senate President Karen Fann, Senate Majority Leader Rick Gray and Sens. Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Vince Leach, according to Leach and Peterson…
December 6, 2020: Rudy W. Giuliani tweeted: “Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes. I’m getting great care and feeling good. Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything.”
December 7, 2020: Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Democrat) tweeted: “Update on First Gentleman Marlon Reis: He is in good spirits and looks forward to returning home soon. Marlon and I appreciate all your kind words and support.”
The tweet included a screenshot of the following statement:
First Gentleman Marlon Reis was diagnosed with COVID-19 nine days ago and last evening he was admitted to the hospital following shortness of breath and a worsening cough.
The First Gentleman and Governor appreciate all of the kind words and support they have received during this time and continue to urge all Coloradans to do their part to slow the spread of this virus. That means wearing a mask in public, staying six feet from others, avoiding large gatherings, and washing your hands regularly.
The First Gentleman has normal oxygen saturation, is in good spirits, and looks forward to returning home soon. He has received dexamethasone for inflammation and remdesivir and has not required oxygen. Governor Polis is not experiencing any symptoms at this time and will return to public as soon as doctors clear him to be around others. We will continue to provide updates as new information is available.
December 7, 2020: CNBC posted an article titled: “Michigan, Arizona legislatures postpone work due to Covid diagnosis for Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani”. It was written by Dan Mangan. From the article:
The legislatures of Arizona and Michigan said that they would postpone work as a result of a positive coronavirus test for President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who appeared without a mask at information sessions hosted by Republican lawmakers from both states in the past week.
Arizona’s Senate and House on Sunday are closing for a week “out of an abundance of caution for recent cases and concerns relating to covid-19,” according to a letter sent to lawmakers.
In Michigan, state Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield said the House would be in session on Tuesday, “but no voting will take place and attendance will not be taken.”
“Multiple representatives have requested time to receive results from recent COVID-19 tests before returning to session, out of an abundance of caution,” Chatfield said in a statement.
The moves came in reaction to Trump’s announcement Sunday on Twitter that Giuliani, who had been leading the president’s last-ditch, long-shot efforts to reverse Joe Biden’s win in the presidential race, had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The former New York City mayor and top federal prosecutor on Monday was at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., with mild symptoms, according to a source who spoke to NBC News…
…In a statement issued Sunday night, the Trump campaign said, “Mayor Giuliani tested negative twice immediately preceding his trip to Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia.”
“The Mayor did not experience any symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 until more than 48 hours after his return,” the campaign said. No legislators in any state or members of the press are on the contact tracing list, under current CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] Guidelines.”
“Other team members who are defined as having had close contact will be following their physicians’ directives and CDC guidelines on self-isolation and testing.”…
December 7, 2020: El Paso Times posted an article titled: “Lilian Blancas, election runoff candidate for El Paso municipal court, dies from COVID-19”. It was written by Aaron Martinez. From the article:
El Paso County Magistrate Judge Lillian Blancas, who was in a runoff for the El Paso Municipal Court 4 judicial seat, died Monday from COVID-19.
Blancas, 47, had been in the hospital since Nov. 9, according to family friends. This was her second time in the hospital because of COVID-19…
…Blancas finished first in the Nov. 3 election with about 40% of the vote, ahead of associate judge and private defense attorney Enrique Holguin…
…The runoff was triggered because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote…
If Blancas wins the runoff election, the El Paso City Council will vote to appoint a candidate, according to Deputy City Clerk John Glendon.
December 8, 2020: Colorado Governor Jared Polis (Democrat) tweeted: “First Gentleman Marlon Reis is back home from the hospital. Marlon and I are so thankful for the doctors, nurses, and staff who took care of him while he was there.”
The tweet included a screenshot of a statement:
First Gentleman Marlon Reis was diagnosed with COVID-19 ten days ago, and was admitted to the hospital for treatment this weekend and today he has been successfully discharged and returned home.
“I am so thankful to the doctors, nurses, and staff and for the support and well wishes we have received from friends and neighbors, and Coloradans during this time,” said First Gentleman Reis. “I hold everyone who has been affected by this deadly virus in my heart. Jared and I continue to encourage our fellow Coloradans to remain vigilant, wear masks, stay six feet apart, avoid gatherings, and wash your hands regularly.”
The First Gentleman is feeling well and his doctor advised him to take the steroids for two more days. The First Gentleman was treated at UCHealth at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Governor drove him home this morning. Governor Polis continues to not experience any symptoms and will return to public activities as soon as doctors clear him to be around others.
December 8, 2020: Axios posted an article titled: “Scoop: West Wing fears COVID spread after Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis attends WH party”. It was written by Jonathan Swan. From the article:
President Trump’s lawyer Jenna Ellis has informed associates she tested positive for the coronavirus, multiple sources tell Axios, stirring West Wing fears after she attended a senior staff Christmas party on Friday….
…The revelation follows Sunday’s news that Ellis’ legal sidekick Rudy Giuliani was hospitalized after testing positive…
…Ellis showed up to the White House senior staff party in the East Wing on Friday as the guest of Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro and was not seen wearing a mask, according to sources who attended the event…
December 8, 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Rudy Giuliani expects to leave hospital soon following Covid-19 diagnosis”. From the article:
Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Tuesday said he is feeling better after contracting Covid-19 and expects to leave the hospital on Wednesday.
The 76-year old former New York City mayor, who is spearheading Trump’s flagging effort to overturn the Republican president’s election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, said he began to feel unusually tired on Friday.
By Sunday, when his diagnosis was announced, Giuilani said he was showing other “mild symptoms” but that currently he has no fever and only a small cough.
“I think they are going to let me out tomorrow morning,” Giuliani said in an interview with WABC Radio in New York. He was at Georgetown University hospital in Washington, two sources familiar with the situation said on Sunday.
Giuilani plans to attend a virtual hearing this week with Georgia lawmakers, one of the sources said on Tuesday…
…In Georgia, state lawmakers are due to hold a virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss election issues, after a hearing last week in which Giuliani urged the lawmakers to intervene to overturn Biden’s victory in the state. Giuliani made similar pleas last week in Michigan and Arizona….
…In his radio interview, Giuliani said he had tested negative just before his trip to the three states.
He also confirmed that Jenna Ellis, an attorney with whom he has worked side-by-side on Trump’s legal challenges, also had contracted the coronavirus.
December 8, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Giuliani from hospital calls COVID-19 ‘a curable disease'”. It was written by John Bowden. From the article:
President Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday from his hospital bed that COVID-19, which has infected more than 12 million Americans and killed more than a quarter million, was a “curable” disease.
Giuliani, who was taken to the hosptial two days ago following his COVID-19 diagnosis, called in to his daily radio program on 77 WABC in New York to lament that restrictiosn around the country meant to control the spread of the deadly disease were “destroying American business,” according to The Associated Press.
“This is a curable disease at this point,” Giuliani said…
…”I’d rather stay at risk than live in a basement all my life,” Giuliani added, an apparent reference to criticsm of President-elect Joe Biden by President Trump for holding campaign events and meetings from his home earlier this year while many states instituted bans on large public gatherings…
December 9, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tests positive for COVID-19”. It was written by Jessie Hellmann. From the article:
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) has tested positive for COVID-19 but says that he is currently experiencing no symptoms.
Wolf said in a statement that he tested positive Tuesday after a “routine” test.
“I am continuing to serve the commonwealth and performing all of my duties remotely, as many are doing during the pandemic.” he said.
“As this virus rages, my positive test is a reminder that no on is immune from COVID, that following all precautions as I have done is not a guarantee, but it is what we know to be vital to stopping the spread of the disease and so I ask all Pennsylvanians to wear a mask, stay home as much as possible, social distance yourself from those not in your household, and, most of all, take care of each other and stay safe.”
His wife Frances Wolf is awaiting the results of her test, and both he and his wife will quarantine at home…
December 30, 2020: The Hill posted an article titled: “Friends and colleagues mourn loss of Louisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow”. It was written by Juliegrace Brufke. From the article:
Lawmakers and senior staffers are mourning the loss of Rep.-elect Luke Letlow (R-La.), who died of complications from COVID-19 on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old Louisian Republican was slated to succeed retiring Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-La.), whom he previously served as chief of staff.
Letlow’s colleagues and friends described him as a loving father to his two young children and husband to his wife, Julua, and as somene who was committed to serving his community…
…Letlow’s death has led some Democrats pointing to the need to practice social distancing and wear masks…
…But Letlow’s campaign chairman and friend Scott Franklin told Business Insider that Letlow took precautions on the campaign trail during the pandemic.”…
Letlow was first admitted to St. Francis Medical Center due to complications from the coronavirus on Dec. 19 before being transferred to the Ochsner LSU Health ICU on December 23. He suffered a heart attack following a procedure related to the virus…
December 31, 2020: U.S. Candidate for Senate David Perdue (Republican – Georgia) tweeted: “Statement from our campaign:””. The tweet included a screenshot of the statement:
“This morning, Senator Perdue was notified that he came in close contact with someone on the campaign who tested positive for COVID-19. Both Senator Perdue and his wife tested negative today, but following his doctor’s recommendations and in accordance with CDC guidelines, they will quarantine. The Senator and his wife have been tested regularly throughout the campaign, and the team will continue to follow CDC guidelines. Further information will be provided when available.”
December 31 2020: The Guardian posted an article titled: “Republican senator David Perdue to quarantine after Covid-19 exposure”. It was written by Lauren Gambino. From the article:
The Republican senator David Perdue of Georgia will quarantine after being exposed to someone infected with Covid-19, taking him off the campaign trail just days before a fiercely-contested runoff election to keep his seat.
The senator was notified on Thursday that he had come into “close contact with someone on the campaign who tested positive for Covid-19”, according to a statement released by his campaign.
“Both Senator Perdue and his wife tested negative today, but following his doctor’s recommendations and in accordance with CDC guidelines, they will quarantine,” the statement said.
The campaign did not specify how long the senator planned to quarantine. Donald Trump is expected to hold a rally in support of the Republican candidates in Georgia on Monday, the eve of the runoff elections that will determine control of the Senate.
Perdue is being challenged by Jon Ossoff while the senator Kelly Loeffler, who was appointed to her seat last December, faces Raphael Warnock. Neither Perdue or Loeffler cleared the 50% threshold required to win their seats outright, triggering the runoffs on 5 January…
December 31, 2020: NBC News posted an article titled: “New York restaurant loses liquor license after ‘Covid conga line’ party”. It was written by David K. Li and Ali Gostanian. From the article:
New York state authorities yanked the liquor license of a restaurant that played host to a “Covid conga line” and might have led to at least one infection, officials said Tuesday…
…The Whitestone Republican Club threw its Christmas bash at Il Bacco on Northern Boulevard in the borough of Queens, and the group danced the night away without masks.
In widely circulated video footage, nearly a dozen revelers – none of whom were wearing a mask – could be seen dancing and singing to the Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing.” The head of the conga line appeared to be holding a flag in support of President Donald Trump.
“After video surfaced of a potential superspreader holiday party at Il Bacco with maskless dancing, the SLA immediately launched an investigation,” the State Liquor Authority said in a statement.
“During a follow-up inspection, investigators found flagrant violations of indoor dining regulations and existing health safety and Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, while verifying the maskless party depicted in the video did in fact occur.”
At least one guest at that party has tested positive for coronavirus, the Whitestone Republican Club said Thursday…
January 1, 2021: The Ronaoke Times posted an article titled: “State Sen. Ben Chafin, R-Russell, dies from complications of COVID-19”. It was written by Amy Freidenberger. From the article:
State Sen. Ben Chafin, R-Russell, died Friday from complications related to COVID-19, according to his legislative office.
Gov. Ralph Northam and the Virginia Senate Republican Caucus confirmed Chafin died Friday night. He represented a swath of far Southwest Virginia, including part of the New River Valley. He was 60…
…While several other Virginia lawmakers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since March, Chafin is the first to die from complications related to the coronavirus…
…Chafin, an attorney who lived in Lebanon in far Southwest Virginia, and his family keept the information about the senator’s diagnosis private for weeks.
Lawmakers and people in political circles heard about Chafin having the disease caused by the novel coronavirus in mid-December when he was hospitalized at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. His office did not responde to repeated requests from The Roanoke Times in December for information about his health.
Towards the end of December, a member of his church posted in a Facebook group that he was “suffering from complications due to COVID-19” and that his family was asking for prayers…
January 1, 2021: The Hill posted an article titled: “Giuliani, Trump Jr. among guests at Mar-a-Lago New Year’s party ditched by Trump: report”. It was written by Zack Budryk. From the article:
President Trump’s two adult sons and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani were reportedly among the guests at a New Year’s Eve party at the president’s Mar-a-Lago club, which the president himself did not attend despite previously planning to do so.
The president returned to Washington from Florida early with no official explanation, but his Thursday arrival came days before Congress is set to certify the results of the Electoral College vote amid the president’s repeated attempts to overturn its results.
Without the president, the highest-profile attendees included Giuliani and Trump’s sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, as well as Fox News host Jeanine Pirro and performers Berlin and Vanilla Ice, CNN reported Friday. The latter’s name trended on Twitter after a clip of his performance surfaced.
A person familiar with preparations told CNN that numerous bookings were made when the buyers believed the president would be at the party, with some performers reluctant to commit to attending without knowing whether he would be there.
Trump, who forewent his usual Thanksgiving visit to the club, was expected to ring in the new year in Florida as late as Wednesday before it became clear that evening that he and first lady Melania Trump would leave for Washington.
The club set tables for 10 people with no social distancing measures, according to the network, and few party attendees wore masks.
January 4, 2021: The Texas Tribune posted an article titled: “Texas Congresswoman Kay Granger tests positive for coronavirus”. It was written by Alex Samuels. From the article:
U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, a high ranking member of Texas’ congressional delegation, has tested positive for the coronavirus, her office announced Monday afternoon.
Granger, who was on the U.S. House floor during swearing-in proceedings in Congress on Sunday, is a ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee.
Granger tested positive for the respiratory disease after arriving in Washington D.C. and is “asymptomatic and feeling great,” her office said in a statement. Granger said she will remain under the care of her doctor and has been quarantining…
January 5, 2021: Representative Kevin Brady (Republican – Texas) tweeted: “Tonite the Office of House Physician informed me that I’ve tested positive for Covid 19 & am quarantined. As recommended, I received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Dec 18 & also recently tested negative for Covid on New Years Day. Begin treatment tomorrow. Shld be fine [praying hands emoji]”
January 5, 2021: Reuters posted an article titled: “U.S. House Republican Kevin Brady tests positive for COVID-19”. From the article:
U.S. Representative Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the House of Representatives tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, said on Tuesday that he had tested positive for coronavirus weeks after receiving a first dose of the Pfizer Inc COVID-19 vaccine…
…Experts say a second dose of the vaccine is needed to ramp up protection against the virus…
January 6, 2021: Representative Jake LaTurner (Republican – Kansas) tweeted: “Late Wednesday evening, Congressman Jake LaTurner received a positive test result for COVID-19. Congresman LaTurner took the test as part of Washington DC’s travel guidelines that require visitors be tested. He is not experiencing any symptoms at this time.” This tweet is the start of a short thread.
January 6, 2021: Representative Jake LaTurner (Republican – Kansas) tweeted: “Congressman LaTurner is following the advice of the House physician and CDC guidelines and, therefore, does not plan to return to the House flor for votes until he is cleared to do so.” This tweet is the end of the thread.
January 8, 2021: Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (Democrat – Delaware) tweeted: “While I was disappointed in my colleagues who refused to wear a mask, I was encouraged by those who did. My goal, in the midst of what I feared was a super spreader event, was to make the room at least a little safer.”
January 11, 2021: Representative Pramila Jayapal (Democrat – Washington) tweeted: “I just recieved a positive COVID-19 test result after being locked down in a secured room at the Capitol where several Republicans no only cruely refused to wear a mask but recklessly mocked colleagues and staff who offered them one.”
The tweet included a link to Representative Jayapal’s statement on her website:
United States Representative Pramily Jayapal (WA-07) recieved a positive COVID-19 test result tonight after being locked down in a secure room at the U.S. Capitol where numerous Republican lawmakers recklessly refused to wear masks in the moments after the January 6 attack. Dr. Brian Monahan, the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, advised representatives and Congressional staff on Sunday that those in the secured room could have, “been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection”. The duration in the room was multiple hours and several Republicans not only cruelly refused to wear a mask but mocked colleagues and staff who offered them one.
“Too many Republicans have refused to take this pandemic and virus seriously, and in doing so, they endanger everyone around them. Only hours after President Trump incited a deadly assault on our Capitol, our country, and our democracy, many Republicans still refused to take the bare minimum COVID-19 precaution and simply wear a damn mask in a crowded room during a pandemic — creating a superspreader event on top of a domestic terrorist attack,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “While I am isolating per the Capitol Physician’s instructions, I will continue to work to the best of my ability because the deep urgency of our many crises is paramount. I share the outrage and anger of my constituents and those across this country who have watched Donald Trump fail to combat this raging pandemic and refuse to take care of Americans who are suffering, dying, and devastated. Now, we have also watched him openly fuel and incite these insurrectionists who attacked the Capitol and our democracy on January 6—so I will not rest until I do everything in my power to remove this President from office.”
“I am also calling for serious fines to be immediately levied on every single Member who refuses to wear a mask in the Capitol,” Jayapal continued. “Additionally, any Member who refuses to wear a mask should be immediately removed from the floor by the Sergeant at Arms. This is not a joke. Our lives and our livelihoods are at risk, and anyone who refuses to wear a mask should be fully held accountable for endangering our lives because of their selfish idiocy.”
Jayapal began quarantining immediately after the attack on the U.S. Capitol, fearing and foreseeing exactly what would occur given the number of maskless lawmakers sitting in the same room as her and her colleagues. In an interview with The Cut on Thursday, she said, “I’m quarantining now because I am convinced that where we ended up, in the secured room — where there were over 100 people and many were Republicans not wearing masks — was a superspreader event.”
January 11, 2021: Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democrat – New Jersey) posted a press remease on her website titled: “WatsonColeman Recieves Positive Coronavirus Test Following January 6 Capitol Lockdown”. From the press release:
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson (NJ-12) received a rapid antigen test result for COVID-19. She believes she was exposed during protective isolation in the U.S. Capitol building as a result of insurrectionist riots. As reported by multiple news outlets, a number of members within the space ignored instructions to wear masks.
“I received a positive test result for COVID-19, and am home resting at this time. While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents.”
Watson Coleman is isolating and awaiting the results of PCR testing: she previously received the first dose of the Pifzer/BioNTech COVID19 vaccine, which has been made available to members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Executive Branch agencies for the purposes of continuity of goverment operations.
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Unfortunately, I received a positve COVID-19 test this morning following being tested yesterday on the advice of the House Attending Physician”. This tweet was the start of a thread.
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Last Wednesday, after narrowly escaping a violent mob incited by the President of the United States to attack the Capitol and its occupants, I was forced to spend several hours in a secure but confined location with dozens of other Members of Congress.”
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Several Republican lawmakers in the room adamantly refused to wear a mask, as demonstrated in the video from Punchbowl News, even when politely asked by their colleagues”.
The tweet included a link to that video.
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Today, I am now in strict isolation, worried that I have risked my wife’s health and angry at the selfishness and arrogance of the anti-maskers who put their own contempt and disregard for decency ahead of the health and safety of their colleagues and our staff.
January 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “I am at least the third Member from that room paying the price, including Rep. Pramala Jayapal and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a 75-year-old cancer survivor”.
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Wearing a mask is not a political statement, it is public health guidance, common courtesy, and simply what should be expected of all decent people.”
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “We can no longer tolerate Members coming to the floor or gathering in the halls of Congress without doing the bare minimum to protect those around them.”
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Those that flout public health guidance should be sanctioned and immediately removed from the House floor by the Sergeant at Arms for their reckless endangerment of their colleagues.”
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Thankfully, I have not yet experienced symptoms and am in the care of capable physicians”.
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “Since driving home to Deerfield from Washington, I have remained isolated as much as possible from my wife in our house and have not experienced other close contacts since my exposure on Wednesday.”
January 12, 2021: Representative Brad Schneider (Democrat – Illinois) tweeted: “This week, the House is doing critical work to protect our national security, our democracy, and our Constitution, moving to remove the President from office after he incited this angry mob of domestic terrorists. I regret that I must make these votes by proxy.” This tweet is the end of the thread.
January 12, 2021: Vox posted an article titled: “Lawmakers are testing positive for Covid-19 after the Capitol lockdown”. It was written by Sean Collins. From the article:
A growing number of lawmakers have tested positive for the coronavirus since Trump supporters staged an insurrection on January 6 at the US Capitol. Currently, at least five lawmakers have said they are infected…
…All are self-isolating following their results. LaTurner said he is asymptomatic, while Fleischmann on Suday said, “I currently feel okay.” Watson Coleman’s office said she is “experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.” Jayapal did not share whether she is experiencing symptoms in her announcement of her test results. And as of Tuesday, Schneider said, “I have not yet experienced symptoms.”
These positive test are a reminder of the importance of taking preventative action to guard against the coronavirus, and mask-wearing alone in crowded, indoor spaces with limited airflow isn’t enough to prevent transmission – particularly if others who may be contagious refuse to wear masks. Research has suggested that mask-wearing by all parties in a given encounter could reduce the risk of spread by nearly 80 percent.
LaTurner tested positive the evening of the storming of the Capitol, suggesting he was infected prior to the insurrection; Fleischmann announced his results Sunday. Watson Coleman’s results came Monday, while Jayapal and Schneider recieved theirs Tuesday. Fleischmann and all three Democrats discovered they’d been infected days after being sequestered with other lawmakers and Hill staffers in a crowded safe rom amid the attack.
As Punchbowl News reported many Republican lawmakers in the safe room – including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Green, Andy Biggs, Scott Perry, Michael Cloud, and Markwayne Mullin – refused to wear masks despite the crowded conditions, even when Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester offered them…
January 12, 2021: BuzzFeed News posted an article titled: “Three Democrats Now Have COVID-19 After Republicans Refused To Wear Masks During The Capitol Attack”. It was written by Salvador Hernandez. From the article:
…Among the members of Congress who were seen wearing no masks and refusing one when offered were Mullin and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Greene is a new member of Congress who has openly supported and spread lies of the mass delusion QAnon and reportedly refused to wear a mask earlier this month on the floor of the House. She later did don a mask that read “Trump won,” propelling the lie that President Donald Trump won the election.
Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, Rep. Michael Cloud of Texas, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California were also seen in the video without masks…
THIS BLOG POST WILL BE UPDATED WHEN MORE INFORMATION IS FOUND.
This is How it Spreads is a post written by Jen Thorpe on Book of Jen and is not allowed to be copied to other sites.
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