A staff member of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tested positive for coronavirus despite being fully vaccinated, Fox News reports.
Drew Hammill, Pelosi’s top aide, confirmed the information regarding an unidentified aide. This aide also did not have recent contact with Pelosi, the report adds. Hammill said, “Yesterday, a fully vaccinated senior spokesperson in the speaker’s press office tested positive for COVID after contact with members of the Texas state legislature last week.”
Hammill stated, “This individual has had no contact with the speaker since exposure. The entire press office is working remotely today with the exception of individuals who have had no exposure to the individual or have had a recent negative test. Our office will continue to follow the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician closely.”
A White House official was also found to have coronavirus after attending the same Washington rooftop reception as the Pelosi staffer. According to the report, this White House aide also had been fully vaccinated. He experienced mild symptoms.
A White House official said, “We know that there will be breakthrough cases, but as this instance shows, cases in vaccinated individuals are typically mild. The White House is prepared for breakthrough cases with regular testing. This is another reminder of the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines against severe illness or hospitalization. We wish our colleague a speedy recovery.”
