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Congresswoman has COVID-19 after Capitol riot

The U.S. Capitol dome, with bare branches in the foreground.
The U.S. Capitol.
(Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)
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Democratic Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey says she has tested positive for COVID-19 and believes she was exposed during protective isolation in the U.S. Capitol building during Wednesday’s rioting.

She was among dozens of lawmakers whisked to a secure location when pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol. A news release from her office on Monday notes that “a number of members within the space ignored instructions to wear masks.”

Watson Coleman is isolating at home and awaiting the results of another test. She says, “While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents.”

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Watson Coleman had received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID19 vaccine, which has been made available to members of Congress.

Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room, while others were there for a shorter period.

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