At least four House Democrats who attended their caucus’ annual retreat last week have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Why it’s important: The development comes as Congress, like the country, softens its stance on the virus in the midst of a steep fall in cases where the Capitol doctor raises the remaining mask requirements at the end of last month.
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In January, the withdrawal was postponed by a month due to an explosion of cases due to Omicron.
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The Democratic retreat in Philadelphia was mask-free.
Driver news: Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.) tweeted Monday that she was tested positive and her symptoms “look like a seasonal cold” to which she attributed that she was fully vaccinated and got the booster.
For the record: Several other House Democrats also announced a positive test in recent days. These include Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Late. Jeanne Shaheen (DN.H.), Rep. Andy Kim (DN.J.) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.)
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Connolly was not on the retreat, his spokesman Jamie Smith told Axios. A spokesman for the rep. Kim told The Hill that he had not been on the retreat.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with additional announcements from the House Democrats.
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