Pelosi Refuses to Take Coronavirus Test Despite Being Exposed to Infected Lawmaker
Democratic House speaker was in close proximity to Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY)
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Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is refusing to be tested for COVID-19, despite working in close proximity with a lawmaker who has "been diagnosed with presumed coronavirus infection."
80-year-old Pelosi confirmed during a Tuesday interview with MSNBC that she will not take the test.
"In terms of my situation, I kept my distance," Pelosi insisted.
"I said to them we all have to be six feet apart and I kept my distance from all the members."
Despite being in close contact with the congresswoman diagnosed with the deadly Chinese virus, Pelosi insists she has no reason to take any measures.
The Democrat leader says her doctor advised her that her situation was low-risk.
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Earlier in the month, President Donald Trump faced scrutiny from critics over his initial refusal to get tested for coronavirus after coming into contact with an infected individual.
President Trump eventually tested negative for the disease.
Rep. Nydia Velazquez, a Democrat from New York, said on Monday that she had been diagnosed with a presumed case of coronavirus after developing symptoms of the ailment on Sunday.
I have been diagnosed with presumed coronavirus infection. My symptoms are mild. I am isolating myself at my home and following the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician.
— Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) March 30, 2020
My full statement is below. pic.twitter.com/9TgPXoy9dN
Velazquez is now in self-isolation but has not been tested for COVID-19.
On Friday, Rep. Velazquez was in the Capitol and attended a ceremony at which Pelosi signed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus response plan.
NY Rep. Velázquez attended last Friday's $2T coronavirus economic aid bill enrollment ceremony on Capitol Hill with Speaker Pelosi, GOP Leader McCarthy & Majority Leader Hoyer. She's standing in the photo between Majority Whip Clyburn and VA Chair Takano. https://t.co/PBZzE5jbin pic.twitter.com/gcw9ofoyn6
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) March 30, 2020
According to News Thud, Velazquez was photographed in close proximity to Speaker Pelosi during the signing.
Velazquez said she was diagnosed with presumed coronavirus and had mild symptoms but testing had not been recommended.
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At least six members of Congress have announced that they have contracted the novel coronavirus.
While at least 30 others are, or were, self-quarantining in hopes of limiting the spread of the pandemic.
Now that Congress has passed the coronavirus legislation, and Trump has signed it into law, neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate is due back in Washington before April 20.
