Second Capitol Hill staffer tests positive for coronavirus

A staff member in Rep. David Schweikert’s (R-Ariz.) D.C. office has tested positive for COVID-19, the congressman said Sunday. 

The staff member is resting “comfortably at home and following guidance from local health officials,” Schweikert said in a statement. 

My statement on COVID-19 and office closures: https://t.co/zXJZBtintV pic.twitter.com/icH2YLWgeQ

— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) March 15, 2020

Schweikert said his D.C. office will be closed with staff members working remotely until further notice. 

He said staff at his Scottsdale, Ariz. will also work remotely out of “an abundance of caution.” 

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) said Wednesday a member of her D.C. office tested positive for coronavirus. Cantwell’s announcement marked the first known instance of a congressional staffer getting the virus. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency in D.C. on Wednesday. 

A total of 16 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in D.C. as of Saturday, according to the D.C. health department. 

Bowser announced restrictions on restaurants and bars Sunday, including capping gatherings at restaurants and bars to no more than 250 people and prohibiting bar seating and service to standing patrons. 

Former House Intelligence Committee attorney Daniel Goldman said Sunday he tested positive for COVID-19. 

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-N.Y.) said earlier that a former member of his staff had tested positive. An aide to Schiff confirmed the announcement was referring to Goldman. 

Schiff said medical professionals believe the former staffer contracted the virus after leaving the office, but said his office will take additional precautions over the  next few days.