An announcement stated that Jen Psaki tested positive for COVID-19. Katie Rogers from The New York Times tweeted the announcement today. Rogers noted that Psaki has been in close touch with Joe Biden since Tuesday. Psaki claims that this took place in a socially disconnected environment.
The White House press secretary’s other contacts with White House staff came on Wednesday.
Jen Psaki is the White House press secretary and she has confirmed that she was positive for COVID-19. She stated that she was last seen with the president Tuesday when they sat together outside for more than six feet and were wearing masks. Wednesday marked the end of close contact between her and other members in WH.
— Katie Rogers (@katierogers) October 31, 2021
I’d note that Psaki, and the White House in general, are rabidly pro-mask. We continue to witness breakthrough cases of individuals who have been vaccinated. That might suggest something about the inefficacy of masks, but I realize that’s taboo to suggest.
Biden seems to be doing fine. Biden was likely tested prior to boarding a plane that would take him overseas for the G20. It is likely that everyone at the meeting of world leaders had been tested. It is still a reminder of how close this virus has come to President Obama, who, despite having been vaccinated for the disease, is clearly in high-risk due to his age.
We’ll keep you updated if there’s anything else to report on this besides Psaki’s eventual recovery.