Congress is closing the U.S. Capitol complex to the public until April 1 because of concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
The temporary closure was announced Wednesday by House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving and Senate Sergeant at Arms Michael Stenger, citing guidance by the medical community, particularly the recommendation of DC Health and the consultation of the Office of the Attending Physician.
The Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol itself will be temporarily closed to all tours, and access to House and Senate office buildings will be limited to members, staff, credentialed press, and official business visitors.
The temporary closure is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday and end at 8 a.m. on April 1.
“We are taking this temporary action out of concern for the health and safety of congressional employees as well as the public. We appreciate the understanding of those with planned visits interrupted by this necessary, but prudent decision,” Irving and Stenger said in a joint statement.
Some lawmakers, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton, have closed their D.C. offices after an aide to Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington state, tested positive for the coronavirus. Both chambers of Congress are expected to go on recess after Thursday, as they are scheduled to be off next week, but that could change if lawmakers cannot agree on a spending measure to address the coronavirus pandemic.
