Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
National Security Leaders Self-Isolate After Possible COVID Exposure
Politico: Senior U.S. Officials Self-Isolate After Meeting Lebanese Spymaster Who’s Positive For Covid
Several U.S. officials, including a senior figure at the State Department, are now self-isolating after meeting with a Lebanese spymaster who has tested positive for the coronavirus. David Hale, the undersecretary of State for political affairs; CIA Director Gina Haspel; and national security adviser Robert O’Brien were among the Americans who met with Lebanon’s Major Gen. Abbas Ibrahim during his recent visit to Washington, people familiar with the situation told POLITICO. (Toosi, 10/19)
In related news —
NBC News: White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany Says She's Recovered From Covid-19
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has recovered from Covid-19 after she tested positive for the virus earlier this month, she said in a tweet on Friday. “Blessed to be COVID clear!” she tweeted. McEnany was among more than a dozen White House staffers, Trump campaign aides, and members of Congress who tested positive for the virus this month. She tested positive shortly before a trip with the president and had no symptoms, she said in a statement at the time. (Clark, 10/16)
The Hill: Senate Democrats Call For Ramped Up Capitol Coronavirus Testing
Senate Democrats are calling on congressional leadership to implement a comprehensive plan for coronavirus testing at the Capitol after a recent outbreak that included several lawmakers. Two dozen senators, spearheaded by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), sent a letter on Monday to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) saying that the environment within the Capitol "has created vulnerabilities" for those in the building every day. (Carney, 10/19)
