VP Mike Pence tests negative for coronavirus after aide contracts disease

Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen tested negative for the coronavirus on Saturday, one day after learning one of his aides became the first White House staffer to contract the virus. 

 

Spokeswoman Katie Miller made the announcement Saturday night by Twitter: “Pleased to report that the COVID-19 test results came back negative for both Vice President @Mike_Pence and Second Lady @KarenPence.”

Earlier in the day, the vice president made the announcement that he was taking the test as a precaution.

“While the White House doctor has indicated that he has no reason to believe I was exposed and no need to be tested, given the unique position I have as vice president and as leader of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, both I and my wife will be tested for the coronavirus later this afternoon,” the Vice President told reporters  

Miller has said Friday night that officials are trying to track down all people the aide came in contact with but neither the Vice President nor President Trump appeared in any danger.

“‪This evening we were notified that a member of the Office of the Vice President tested positive for the Coronavirus," Miller said. "Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual.  Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines.”