China News Service, July 10th, comprehensive Chinese website reported that a reporter from the White House in the United States had tested positive for the new coronavirus after attending two briefings. American media said that this was the first White House reporter to be diagnosed. At the time the reporter was diagnosed, although the level of newly confirmed cases in Washington DC was still low, the number of confirmed cases in the United States surged.
Data Map: The White House. China News Agency reporter Chen Meng
According to reports, Jonathan Karl, president of the White House Journalists Association, said in an email that the reporter had no symptoms and did not stay in the media workplace.
Carl wrote: "This person attended the briefing on Monday afternoon of July 6th and Wednesday afternoon of July 8th and wore masks throughout the stay in the White House."
The email showed: "The patient is asymptomatic. We are contacting this person to recall people who have had close contact with him. Except for the briefing, this person does not work outside the White House, only staying in the briefing room, Have not been to other areas where we work."
The report said that the White House is providing free new coronavirus testing to others who have contacted the reporter.
The report pointed out that White House reporters are allowed to talk to officials in the driveway of the West Wing of the White House and can also pass through certain areas of the West Wing. These areas lead to the press officer’s desk, and many White House staff do not usually wear masks.