3 House Democrats infected after riot

WASHINGTON — Within a span of about 24 hours, three House Democrats announced they tested positive for COVID-19, prompting concern that last week’s insurrection at the Capitol has also turned into a super-spreader event threatening the health of lawmakers and their staffs.

Those who tested positive were among dozens of lawmakers who were whisked to a secure location when proTrump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol last Wednesday. Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room.

The three Democratic lawmakers — Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois, Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey — directed their anger toward some House Republicans who were also in the secure room and declined opportunities to wear masks, despite their role in blocking the spread of COVID-19. Video surfaced of multiple Republican lawmakers refusing to wear a mask even when one was offered.

“Too many Republicans have refused to take this pandemic and virus seriously, and in doing so, they endanger everyone around them,” Jayapal said.