Merrick Garland, the attorney general, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Justice Department.
Garland asked to be tested after learning that he may have been exposed to the virus, the statement said. His test comes after several members of Congress and the press tested positive following a Saturday party.
He is fully vaccinated and boosted and is not experiencing any symptoms but will work virtually, returning to the office following a negative test.
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Garland attended the Gridiron Dinner over the weekend, which appears to have been somewhat of a superspreader event.
Reps. Adam Schiff and Joaquin Castro both announced on Tuesday that they had contracted the coronavirus after appearing at the dinner. Their announcement was followed on Wednesday by Reps. Katherine Clark and Scott Peters announcing that they had tested positive as well, although they had not attended the dinner.
At least half a dozen journalists, as well as members of the White House and National Security Council staff, have confirmed that they tested positive after the dinner, according to the Washington Post. Their identities have been withheld.
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Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who spoke at the event on Saturday, announced on Wednesday that she tested positive for COVID-19.
All attendees of the dinner were required to show proof of vaccination, according to a statement released by Gridiron Club President Tom DeFrank. Nearly 630 guests were in attendance.
