Leaked memo says more infected in White House coronavirus outbreak
Number suggests administration’s Covid-19 spread more widespread than previously known
The White House coronavirus outbreak has infected 34 “staffers and other contacts” according to a leaked government memo.
The memo was distributed on Wednesday among senior leadership at FEMA, an agency within the Department of Homeland security, according to ABC News.
It was previously reported that a total of 24 White House aides and their contacts had tested positive for the virus.
The memo also states that a senior adviser to the president is positive for coronavirus.
Both Hope Hicks and Stephen Miller, who are senior advisers to the president, have recently contracted the virus.
Donald Trump returned to the White House on Monday night after receiving treatment at Walter Reed for Covid-19.
Mr Trump was heavily criticised for removing his mask as soon as he returned to the White House amid concerns he may put other staffers, workers and Secret Service agents at risk.
More than 210,000 people have already been killed by the virus in the US and more than 7.5 million cases have been reported.
Among Mr Trump’s inner circle those testing positive for coronavirus include Melania Trump and White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
Former adviser Kellyanne Conway and former governor of New Jersey Chris Christie have also contracted the virus, as have Republican senators including Mike Lee and Thom Thillis.
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