Mike Pence’s press secretary, Katie Miller, tests positive for coronavirus

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller has the coronavirus, the White House mentioned Friday, making her the second one who works on the White Home advanced identified to check constructive for the virus this week.

President Donald Trump, who publicly recognized the affected Pence aide, mentioned he was “not anxious” concerning the virus spreading within the White House. Nonetheless, officers mentioned they had been stepping up security protocols for the advanced.

Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller, who examined constructive Friday, had been in latest contact with Pence however not with the president. She is married to Stephen Miller, a prime Trump adviser. The White House had no fast touch upon whether or not Stephen Miller had been examined or if he was nonetheless figuring out of the White House.

Katie Miller had examined destructive Thursday, a day earlier than her constructive consequence.

“For this reason the entire idea of exams aren’t essentially nice,” Trump mentioned. “The exams are good however one thing can occur between a take a look at the place it’s good after which one thing occurs.”

The constructive take a look at for the senior Pence aide got here at some point after White House officers confirmed {that a} member of the navy serving as one in every of Trump’s valets had examined constructive for COVID-19.

Six individuals who had been involved with Miller had been scheduled to fly with Pence on Friday to Des Moines, Iowa, on Air Drive Two. They had been faraway from the flight simply earlier than it took off, in accordance with a senior administration official.

None of these individuals had been exhibiting signs, however had been requested to deplane in order that they may very well be examined “out of an abundance of warning,” a senior administration official advised reporters touring with Pence. All six later examined destructive, the White House mentioned.

The official mentioned workers within the West Wing are examined frequently however a lot of Pence’s workers — which works subsequent door within the Govt Workplace Constructing — are examined much less regularly. Katie Miller was not on the aircraft and had not been scheduled to be on the journey.

Pence, who’s examined regularly, was examined Friday.

White House chief of workers Mark Meadows mentioned the administration was stepping up mitigation efforts already advisable by public well being specialists and taking different unspecified precautions to make sure the protection of the president.

Meadows mentioned the White House was “in all probability the most secure place that you may come,” however he was reviewing additional steps to maintain Trump and Pence secure.

The White House requires every day temperature checks of anybody who enters the White House advanced and has inspired social distancing amongst these working within the constructing. The administration has additionally directed common deep cleansing of all work areas. Anybody who is available in shut proximity to the president and vp is examined every day for COVID-19.

“We’ve already put in just a few protocols that we’re taking a look at, clearly, to be sure that the president and his fast workers keep secure. Nevertheless it’s not simply the president, it’s all the employees which might be right here … every day,” Meadows mentioned.

The White House was transferring to shore up its safety protocols to guard the nation’s political leaders. Trump mentioned some staffers who work together with him intently would now be examined every day. Pence advised reporters Thursday that each he and Trump would now be examined every day as effectively.