Two Democratic lawmakers have announced that they have tested positive for COVID-19 after defending themselves during maskless congressmen during the U.S. Capitol siege last week.
Send the news: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) announced early Tuesday that she ‘was locked in a secure room at the Capitol, where several Republicans not only brutally refused to wear a mask, but also recklessly mocked colleagues and staff who offered them one.
- Hours earlier, Rep.Bonnie Watson Coleman (DN.J.) tweeted that she decided to take a coronavirus test following the events of last week, “including shelter with several colleagues who refused to wear masks.”
- “She believes she was exposed during protective isolation in the U.S. Capitol building due to rioting,” her office said in a statement from the 75-year-old cancer survivor.
Why it matters: According to a statement from Jayapal, they were in a “pressure room” during a pandemic, which created a superspreader event in addition to a domestic terror attack. ‘
- The attending physician of the U.S. Capitol has warned that lawmakers may be exposed to someone infected with the coronavirus as they hide from a pro-Trump mob.
- Many members of Congress are in age groups and other categories who are at higher risk of dying or suffering from serious coronavirus-related diseases.
For the record: Watson said she rests at home. “While experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in a good mood and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents,” did she tweet.
- Jayapal said she was isolated but that she would continue to work and “will not rest until I do everything in my power to remove this president from office”, blaming President Trump for the uprising in the US Capitol.
Editor’s note: this article has been constantly updated with new details.