Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wished President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump a “speedy recovery” from their coronavirus infection after the first couple tested positive for the virus that has caused over 207,000 deaths in the United States.
In a statement on Friday, Schumer also called for a comprehensive testing and tracing plan in the United States Senate.
“Though they have not done so in the past, the administration must now follow the science and all recommended health protocols in order to not put additional people at risk. And they must be completely transparent,” Schumer said.
He continued, “This episode demonstrates that the Senate needs a testing and contact tracing program for Senators, staff, and all who work in the Capitol complex. We simply cannot allow the administration’s cavalier attitude to adversely affect this branch of government. It is imperative that all results be made public in order to contain a possible outbreak and so we can determine the need for Senators and staff to quarantine or self-isolate.”
He also blasted Donald Trump and Republicans for not following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols.
“What happened to President Trump is a reminder of why the whole country, including Senators and staff, must follow the science and follow the protocols laid out by the CDC and public health officials,” the New York Lawmaker wrote. “When you ignore the science, you don’t wear a mask, and you don’t follow social distancing guidelines, it puts you and everyone around you at risk. Following science is a must.”
My statement on President Trump’s positive COVID diagnosis: pic.twitter.com/0DHIUc7VKC
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 2, 2020
Schumer also drew attention to Amy Coney Barrett — Trump’s Supreme Court nominee who has been meeting with senators this week. The White House announced on Friday that Barrett has tested negative for the coronavirus.
Other top Republicans who have tested positive include Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Democratic nominee Joe Biden tested negative for the coronavirus after Trump’s diagnosis.