President Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett said Sunday that it is “scary” working at the White House after two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
“It is scary to go to work,” Hassett told CBS’s “Face The Nation.” “I think that I’d be a lot safer if I was sitting at home than I would be going to the West Wing.”
“But you know it’s a time when people have to step up and serve their country,” he continued.
The economic adviser described the West Wing as a “small, crowded place” that could be a “little bit risky” but added its necessary for things like secure meetings.
Hassett’s comments come as White House staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, leading three top officials to self-quarantine for two weeks in an effort to contain the spread.
{mosads}Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci went into quarantine after coming in contact with Katie Miller, the spokeswoman for Vice President Mike Pence or one of Trump’s personal valets.
The White House has responded to the infections with daily tests for some senior staff, increased usage of masks and more intense screening of those entering the building, The New York Times reported. Two senior administration officials said there are no plans to keep Trump and Pence apart out of worry they would both be debilitated by COVID-19.