COVID-19 continues to impact much of the world and the United States Capitol is no exception. As reported by Capitol physician Brian Monahan, the seven-day average positivity rate has increased from less than 1% to greater than 13%. Of the cases accounted for thus far, 61% involve the omicron variant while 38% are tied to the delta virus variant. Furthermore, 65% of the cases on Capitol Hill are symptomatic while 35% involve asymptomatic carriers.
Moving forward, things could get worse in the nation’s capital. Monahan tells The Hill that the seven-day average positivity rate will increase “substantially” in the coming week.
“The most common risk of acquiring infection is the individual’s activities outside the workplace, such as attendance at receptions, entertainment venues, celebrations, family gatherings, travel, and crowded indoor situations,” Monahan reports.
To combat the spread of the virus, lawmakers are moving away from in-person lunches and meetings and toward virtual gatherings. New mask mandates will not be implemented, but health officials are encouraging public officials to wear KN95 or N95 masks.
“Blue surgical masks, cloth face masks and gaiter masks must be replaced by the more protective KN95 or N95 masks,” Monahan added.
