The cluster of Coronavirus cases at the White House expanded on Monday as the President’s Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, announced she had tested positive for the virus, adding her to a roster of staffers, GOP Senators, and Republican officials who have contracted the virus in recent days.
In a short post on Twitter, McEnany said she had tested negative ‘consistently’ since last week - until today.
“I tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning while experiencing no symptoms,” McEnany said in a statement.
But other news organizations quickly reported that additional staffers of the White House press office had tested positive for the virus as well, signifying a further spread in the West Wing.
“The White House is now an epicenter for the coronavirus,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL).
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) October 5, 2020
IMPORTANT NOTE: MANY WH officials have same status as Press. Sec McEnany.
— Lisa Desjardins (@LisaDNews) October 5, 2020
Exposed, multiple times to POTUS, Hicks, others for days.
But have *NOT quarantined*.
On that large list: -->Dr. Sean Conley, WH physician <-- https://t.co/hG9pyJDNzP
McEnany’s announcement is a reminder that White House officials have refused to release a list of staffers who have tested positive for the virus in recent days, or even a number of personnel.
President Trump received a positive test on Thursday - he was admitted to the Walter Reed military hospital for treatment on Friday afternoon.
In her statement, McEnany said nothing about her interactions with the President during times when he might have already been positive.
At the White House on Sunday, McEnany spoke to reporters without a mask on.
Video of WH Press Sec Kayleigh McEnany removing her mask yesterday to speak with reporters. Today she tested positive for COVID. https://t.co/ftL0C8Lqa0
— Rebecca Buck (@RebeccaBuck) October 5, 2020
On Thursday, McEnany was abruptly pulled off President Trump’s fundraising trip to New Jersey, after being informed of the positive test of presidential aide Hope Hicks.