Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Irish Leader Learns Of Covid-Positive Test During Event With Biden
The Washington Post: Biden Interacted With Taoiseach Of Ireland Before Positive Coronavirus Test
President Biden interacted with Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland, on Wednesday night, shortly before the Irish leader disclosed a positive coronavirus test, a U.S. official said. But White House officials said Biden is not considered a close contact, according to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC defines a close contact as being in the presence of someone with the virus for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more. Biden and the Taoiseach both attended the Ireland Funds National Gala on Wednesday night before the Irish leader left due to a positive test. (Pager and Hudson, 3/16)
Politico: Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin Tests Positive For Covid While In D.C. To Meet Biden
Few could be seen wearing face masks at Thursday night’s gathering at the National Building Museum, where President Joe Biden delivered remarks onstage for roughly 15 minutes. He left the event after his speech. Pelosi, 81, who appeared to be having a conversation at the dinner table with Martin, is second in line behind Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential line of succession. (Ward, 3/16)
NBC News: Irish Prime Minister, Who Attended Biden Event, Tests Positive For Covid
Martin left the event after the positive Covid test was returned and is not experiencing symptoms, the source said. A spokesman for the prime minister told Reuters that Martin received a positive PCR test. Biden, who has Irish roots, spoke onstage Wednesday for around 15 minutes, according to video and a press pool report. (Helsel and O'Donnell, 3/17)
