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A White House cafeteria worker tested positive for coronavirus, according to three Trump administration officials. As a result, they have begun contact tracing and closed both the cafeteria and an eatery in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
As a result of a cafeteria worker testing positive for covid-19, two eateries have now been shut down. It isn’t clear how long the facilities will remain shuttered, but they could be closed for two weeks.
“There is no reason for panic or alarm,” the White House said in an email obtained by NBC News. “The White House Medical Unit has already conducted contact tracing and based off of their interviews, they have determined that no EOP staff should self-quarantine due to exposure.”
The Eisenhower Executive Office Building sits just across from West Executive Ave. from the West Wing. It houses the offices of many senior White House officials, including the vice president, officials from the coronavirus task force, and the National Security Council.
The General Services Administration maintains the building in question. The White House deferred questions to them.
“All proper protocols were in place by the vendor including masks, gloves, plastic shielding at check out, and no dine-in service,” said a GSA spokesperson. “The White House Medical Unit has done contact tracing and determined that the risk of retransmission is low.”
However, the GSA did not say how many staffers were potentially exposed.
Related: Americans Will Wear Masks for ‘Several years’, Says Coronavirus Expert
As a result of new cases, President Trump is more publicly acknowledging the increasing spread of the virus. In spite of this, he continues to downplay concerns that his administration has mishandled the pandemic.
“We are working with very talented people, very brilliant people and it’s all going to work out and it is working great,” said Trump on Wednesday.
However, several White House officials, including those in close proximity to the president, have recently tested positive for the virus. People who may come into contact with the president must take COVID-19 rapid tests. This has led to past contact tracing efforts.
On the other hand, there are no longer regular temperature checks for those who enter White House grounds. Meanwhile, retirement communities across the globe continue to do so.
Related: White House Document Indicates 18 States in the Coronavirus ‘Red Zone’
