In a concerning development, more than 130 agents from the Secret Service have been placed under quarantine. This follows reports of positive COVID-19 tests or exposure to infected colleagues. The Washington Post highlights that this situation has emerged partly because of the numerous campaign events held in the lead-up to the election.
The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in about ten percent of the agency’s essential security personnel being sidelined. The Secret Service has approximately 1,300 officers in its Uniformed Division, tasked with safeguarding the White House and the residence of the Vice President.
During the final campaign push, the President visited four states within two days, necessitating five different groups of Secret Service agents to accompany him across locations such as Fayetteville, North Carolina; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Traverse City and Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Kenosha, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, masks were seldom worn, despite the known risks of virus transmission.
In addition to the Secret Service agents, notable figures including Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and advisers Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie have also tested positive for the virus. This outbreak occurs amidst a nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases, with the U.S. reporting over 153,400 new cases in a single day, a record high. The hospitalization figures have also reached unprecedented levels, exceeding 67,000.
While some, including the President, have suggested that the rise in cases is merely a result of increased testing, recent data indicates a significant week-over-week increase in infections, far surpassing the growth in testing numbers. A former senior Secret Service supervisor expressed concern, stating, “Losing more than 100 officers is very problematic for White House security.”
This isn’t the first instance where the Secret Service has faced challenges due to the President’s and Vice President’s travels during the pandemic. Earlier this year, several agents fell ill following a large indoor rally in Tulsa and subsequent events.
Research from Stanford has linked approximately 30,000 COVID-19 cases and 700 deaths to the President’s rallies. The CDC has warned that large gatherings without proper health measures are substantial risks for further spread of the virus, effectively serving as “superspreader events.”
On a brighter note, the President-Elect has already assembled a Coronavirus Task Force comprised of scientific experts to address the ongoing crisis.
As updates regarding COVID-19 are continually evolving, it’s crucial to stay informed. For the latest information, refer to local health department resources, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.
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In summary, over 130 Secret Service agents are now quarantining due to COVID-19, significantly impacting the agency’s core security team. This situation is linked to the President’s campaign rallies, which did not adhere to recommended health protocols. The ongoing rise in COVID-19 cases across the nation underscores the seriousness of the situation, making it vital to stay informed and cautious.