Bonnie Watson, a Democratic representative in the US House of Representatives, said she was diagnosed with COVID-19 after she was had to shelter in with fellow lawmakers who refused to wear masks following the violent riots by Pro-Trump protesters, AFP reported.  

She said, “I received a positive test result for Covid-19, and am home resting at this time”. The Democratic member added, “While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents”. 

The office of Coleman said, “she believes she was exposed during protective isolation in the US Capitol building as a result of insurrectionist riots”.

They added, “As reported by multiple news outlets, a number of members within the space ignored instructions to wear masks”. 

Several members of the Republican party were caught on camera refusing an offer to wear a mask while they were being escorted to a committee room to shelter from the violent protesters, AFP reported.  

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President-elect Joe Biden, after receiving his second dose of vaccine, also condemned the behavior of the individuals who refused to follow COVID-19 safety protocols and said “I think its irresponsible.”

According to the office of Coleman, she had received her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. 

Don Beyer, a Democratic representative from Virginia, wished Coleman a swift recovery and said, “To our colleagues who put everyone around them at risk with their appalling refusal to follow public health guidelines, this has to stop immediately”. 

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After the violent riots at the US Capitol building, several US lawmakers were rushed to and locked down for protection against the Pro-Trump mob, AFP reported. 

On Sunday, a warning was issued by the Office of the Attending Physician of Congress as the representatives were potentially exposed to COVID-19 after being escorted out of danger.