Coronavirus: Mike Pence continues campaign tour despite chief of staff’s positive test

Marc Short, the chief of staff for Mike Pence, has tested positive for coronavirus, the vice-president’s office has confirmed. One of Pence’s closest political advisers, Marty Obst, was also reported to have contracted Covid.

“Vice-president Pence and Mrs Pence both tested negative for Covid-19 today, and remain in good health,” said Devin O’Malley, a Pence spokesman, on Saturday, adding that Donald Trump’s running mate would maintain his schedule “in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel”.

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Short is Pence’s closest aide and the vice-president is considered a “close contact” under CDC guidelines. Those guidelines mandate that essential workers exposed to someone with coronavirus closely monitor for symptoms of Covid-19 and wear a mask whenever around other people.

After a day of campaigning on Saturday, Pence was seen wearing a mask as he returned to Washington on board Air Force Two once the news of Short’s diagnosis was made public.

With Associated Press