White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett understands the risks of being in the West Wing after two staffers tested positive for the coronavirus, but he is convinced he still needs to go on serving the country.
Hassett acknowledged that despite practicing social distancing and wearing a mask, he would still be safer at home.
“The fact is that I practice aggressive social distancing. I’ll wear a mask when I feel it’s necessary. It is scary to go to work,” Hassett said.
He added, “I was not part of the White House in March. I think that I’d be a lot safer if I was sitting at home than I would be going to the west wing, but it’s a time when people have to step up and serve their country.”
Watch his comments below:
WATCH: "It is scary to go to work," @WhiteHouse Economic adviser Kevin Hassett tells @margbrennan. This week a White House staffer and an aide to @VP Pence tested positive for #coronavirushttps://t.co/meIIhwUVYj
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) May 10, 2020
See more of Hassett's interview on @facethenation at 10:30 EST pic.twitter.com/5uZ6S9RwmL
A U.S. Navy member, serving as President Donald Trump’s personal valet, tested positive for the coronavirus, as IJR previously reported.
Deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley confirmed the news and released a statement providing an update on the health of both the president and Vice President Mike Pence.
“We were recently notified by the White House Medical Unit that a member of the United States Military, who works on the White House campus, has tested positive for Coronavirus,” Gidley wrote.
He added, “The President and the Vice President have since tested negative for the virus and they remain in great health.”
Just one day later, it was announced a staffer for Pence tested positive for the coronavirus as well, as IJR previously reported.
Hassett went on to recognize the privilege of having an impressive medical team to help protect staffers in the White House from the coronavirus.
“We’re lucky at the White House in that we have like the best medical team on earth to help protect us and that is some comfort,” Hassett said.
As of Sunday afternoon, there are more than 1,000,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States and nearly 79,000 deaths.
