At least five high-profile Washington players have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the star-studded Gridiron Club dinner last weekend, one of whom is considered a close contact of Vice President Harris
Harris’ Communications Director Jamal Simmons, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, and Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) have all tested positive for breakthrough COVID-19 cases after attending Saturday night’s event.
A number of journalists, White House staffers and personnel from the National Security Council have also tested positive for the virus after attending the dinner, according to The Washington Post. The newspaper, however, did not identify the individuals because they have not publicly announced their COVID-19 status.
Attendees at Saturday night’s dinner were required to show proof of vaccination, according to Gridiron President Tom DeFrank of the National Journal.
“All guests at the Gridiron Club dinner were required to show proof of vaccination. We understand that some of our guests have reported positive tests since the dinner. We wish them a speedy recovery,” DeFrank told The Hill in a statement.
The Gridiron Club dinner returned to Washington this weekend after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is one of several high-profile annual gatherings in the nation’s capital, featuring skits and roasts knocking politicians and other figures.
The president typically attends the white-tie fete, but President Biden did not make an appearance this year, instead recording a video for the dinner. Biden last tested negative for COVID-19 on Monday, according to the White House.
A number of other congressional lawmakers and administration officials, including Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, special presidential envoy John Kerry and Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell attended the event, according to the Post. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky and White House press secretary Jen Psaki were also reportedly in attendance.
Simmons is the latest individual to test positive for COVID-19 following the event. Kirsten Allen, the vice president’s press secretary, said Simmons tested positive on Wednesday, and was in close contact with Harris. The vice president as a result will follow CDC guidance and consult with her physician but plans to make no changes to her public schedule.
Most individuals who tested positive following the dinner said they were experiencing mild or no symptoms. Garland took part in a press conference with other law enforcement officials on Wednesday, including FBI Director Christopher Wray and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, hours before the Justice Department announced his positive test.
The Justice Department told The Hill that Monaco took a COVID-19 test out of an abundance of caution, and tested negative. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R), who spoke at Saturday’s dinner, also took a COVID-19 test as a precaution and tested negative.
The rise in cases among Washington’s top players following Saturday night’s event is raising questions regarding the country’s return to a new, normal version of pre-pandemic life after more than two years of various restrictions and mitigation measures.
Few dinner attendees wore masks Saturday evening, people at the event told the Post. Washington, D.C., lifted its mask mandate for businesses on March 1.
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