Lawmakers warned of possible exposure to coronavirus during the riot

“The time in this room was several hours for some and shorter for others,” said Monahan. “During that time, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection.”

Several Republicans were seen without masks in the crowded room, despite receiving extras from Democrats. Masks have been a point of contention among lawmakers a few times in recent weeks.

Monahan did not say how many lawmakers were in the room, but asked lawmakers to continue with daily measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus, including wearing a mask and practicing social detachment.

On Friday. Robert Redifield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that Wednesday’s disturbances were likely to have significant pandemic consequences. “You have to anticipate that this is another sudden event,” he told McClatchy. “You unmasked individuals in an undistinguished way, who passed through the Capitol”