Lawmakers may have been exposed to COVID-19 during Capitol riot, physician warns

Members of the House of Representatives may have been exposed to the coronavirus while huddling together for shelter when supporters of President Trump attacked the US Capitol, Congress’ Office of the Attending Physician reportedly said Sunday.

Dr. Brian Monahan issued the warning to lawmakers in a Sunday email, according to outlets including The Washington Post.

“On Wednesday January 6, many members of the House community were in protective isolation in [a] room located in a large committee hearing space,” Monahan wrote.

“The time in this room was several hours for some and briefer for others,” he continued. “During this time, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.”

The message did not specify how large the room was or how many lawmakers were inside, the report said.

It was also unclear if Monahan’s office had identified anyone in the room who was confirmed to have the coronavirus.

Several lawmakers have tested positive for the virus during the pandemic, including freshman Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kans.), who announced his infection early Thursday.

LaTurner was in the Capitol building during Wednesday’s deadly riots, though it was unclear if he was among those who hunkered down with his congressional colleagues.