Member of Pence’s staff tests positive for coronavirus
May 8, 2020, 10:28 AM
FILE-- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the 6th meeting of the National Space Council on "Leading the Next Frontier" at the National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, August 20, 2019 in Chantilly, Virginia. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
(CNN) — A member of Vice President Mike Pence’s staff has tested positive for the coronavirus, two sources familiar tell CNN.
Pence’s Friday morning flight to Iowa was delayed on the tarmac of Joint Base Andrews for about an hour, and some people deplaned, according to White House pool reports.
The person who tested positive was not on the trip, but there was concern about other people on the plane having been in contact with the positive individual, a source familiar told CNN.
Bloomberg News first reported the coronavirus case earlier Friday.
The vice president is currently en route to Des Moines, Iowa, where he will participate in a discussion with faith leaders on responsible religious and spiritual gatherings followed by a roundtable on securing the food supply.
The vice president’s office has declined to comment.
The new case of coronavirus among the vice president’s staff comes a day after one of President Donald Trump’s personal valets tested positive for the virus earlier this week.
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 they also travel with him when he’s on the road or out of the country.
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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
