White House says it will now test reporters for coronavirus on a daily basis

The White House on Tuesday announced that members of its press pool will be required to undergo daily coronavirus testing, following two confirmed cases of the virus in the West Wing.  

Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere told reporters that the policy had been instituted "out of an abundance of caution."

"[M]embers of the restricted in-house pool should be ready in the briefing room at call time for a COVID-19 test to be administered in Lower Press by the White House Medical Unit," Deere informed press.  

"Moving forward, we expect to test members of the restricted in-house pool daily," he added. 

One reporter said he was required to submit to a test which involved "a swab in each nostril for three to five seconds" as well as several questions about possible symptoms of the disease. Reporters are required to sign waivers before submitting to the test. 

On Monday the White House began enforcing a masks-on rule for visitors and staff, also asking individuals to "avoid unnecessary visits" to the executive house. 

These new policies come several days after staffers for both President Trump and Vice President Pence tested positive for the coronavirus. Both Trump and Pence tested negative for the disease after learning of the infections.