First Senate staffer tests positive for coronavirus

Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell has shuttered her Capitol Hill and Seattle offices after one of her staffers tested positive for the coronavirus -- marking the first confirmed case of a congressional staffer being infected with the novel virus.

“The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 has had no known contact with the senator or other members of Congress. The senator is requesting that testing be done on any other staffers who have been in contact with the individual and show symptoms,” according to a statement from the Democratic senator's office.

The sick staffer has been in quarantine since beginning to display symptoms.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday declared a state of emergency, and the House and Senate announced that they will be suspend all tours of the Capitol to help prevent the further spread of the virus.

Several congressmen and senators have self-quarantined this week following potential exposure to the virus.

President Trump on Monday night announced that all flights from Europe, barring the United Kingdom, will be suspended for 30-days beginning on Friday.

There are currently 1,200 diagnosed cases of coronavirus in the United States.