Vice President Pence Pushes Ahead with Campaign Despite Close Aide's COVID-19 Infection

Meadows, White House Chief of Staff, "Allowed Campaigning as Essential Personnel"
At Least 5 Infections Reported in Vice President's Office

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Mike Pence, the Vice President of the United States, is reported to have at least five close aides infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but he is expected to continue his election campaign.

Mark Meadows, White House Chief of Staff, stated in an interview with CNN on the 25th (local time) that Vice President Pence is considered "essential personnel," and therefore is allowed to continue campaigning as the election day approaches.

Despite close aides to Vice President Pence, including Chief of Staff Mark Short and political advisor Marty Obst, testing positive one after another, Pence himself tested negative and is proceeding with his campaign as scheduled.

Chief of Staff Meadows said, "What Pence does is wear a mask and practice social distancing. He will remove his mask when going up to give a speech, and then put it back on afterward."

CNN, citing sources, reported that at least five people within Vice President Pence's recent circle of activity have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past few days.

The source told CNN, "There is concern that more people in Vice President Pence's close group will test positive in the future," adding, "They are scared."

CNN pointed out that the consecutive infections among the Vice President's aides raise "new questions about safety protocols and transparency within the White House."

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, had suspended and then resumed campaigning due to contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.