At least 20 U.S. Capitol Police officers reportedly contracted the coronavirus after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The uptick in COVID-19 cases is the largest number among the rank and file in months, according to a Capitol Police union leader cited by NBC 4 Washington.
A number of people have tested positive since the riot took place, including seven members of Congress. One person familiar with the matter told the New York Times that Capitol Police officers were being given rapid COVID-19 tests to help determine which officers might have gotten the virus from the riot.
The riot, which followed a pro-Trump rally two weeks ago, resulted in the deaths of five people, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick.
In footage released from the incidents, many of the rioters can be seen without masks on, a precaution urged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ease the spread of the virus.
The FBI continues to seek out perpetrators who took part in breaching the Capitol. Many have been charged already. The FBI revealed Jan. 14 that more than 100 people had been arrested for their actions in the siege and over 200 suspects had been identified.
