Along with Marc Short, the vice president’s chief of staff, three additional staff members and a Pence adviser have also tested positive, according to people briefed on the developments.
Several members of Vice President Mike Pence’s inner circle, including at least four members of his staff, have tested positive for the coronavirus in the past few days, people briefed on the matter said, raising new questions about the safety protocols at the White House, where masks are not routinely worn.
Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for Mr. Pence, said that the vice president’s chief of staff, Marc Short, had tested positive. A person briefed on the diagnosis said he received it on Saturday.
“Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence both tested negative for Covid-19 today, and remain in good health,” Mr. O’Malley said, adding, “While Vice President Pence is considered a close contact with Mr. Short, in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the vice president will maintain his schedule in accordance with the C.D.C. guidelines for essential personnel.”
The vice president has tested negative and will stay on the campaign trail—deciding against quarantine—with just days to go before the election
Mr. Pence, the head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, considers himself to be a close contact of Mr. Short, who tested positive on Saturday, according to a statement from Pence spokesman Devin O’Malley.
Marty Obst, Mr. Pence’s longtime political adviser, also recently tested positive, according to people familiar with the matter.
The vice president, who tested negative on Saturday along with his wife, has decided not to quarantine, Mr. O’Malley said. Mr. Pence consulted with White House medical staff, and will instead follow guidelines for “essential personnel.” Mr. Pence’s office declined additional comment.
Source: NY Times, The Wall Street Journal
