WASHINGTON (WCBS 880) — New Jersey Democratic Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman revealed Monday that she has tested positive for COVID-19 and believes she was exposed while in protective isolation in the U.S. Capitol building during last week's riot.
Watson Coleman said she decided to take a COVID test after sheltering with several colleagues who she said refused to wear masks after they were moved to a secure location when a pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol last Wednesday.
"While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents," said Watson Coleman, who is is isolating at home while awaiting the results of an additional PCR test.
The congresswoman has received the first dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, which has been made available to members of Congress, the Supreme Court, and Executive Branch agencies.
Lawmakers on Sunday were notified that someone they had been sheltering with during the siege had tested positive for the virus. The infected individual was not named.
The Associated Press reported that some Congress members had spent hours in the room, while others were there for a shorter period of time.