Rep. Madeleine Dean. Photo: Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images
At least four House Democrats who attended their caucus's annual retreat last week have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Why it matters: The development comes as Congress, like the country, is softening its posture towards the virus amid a steep decline in cases, with the Capitol physician lifting remaining mask requirements late last month.
- In January, the retreat was postponed by a month amid an explosion of cases due to Omicron.
- The Democratic retreat in Philadelphia was mask-optional.
Driving the news: Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Penn.) tweeted on Monday that she had tested positive and her symptoms are "similar to a seasonal cold," which she attributed to being fully vaccinated and receiving the booster.
- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) said Sunday she tested positive, prompting the House Administration Committee to postpone a hearing on congressional stock trades that was scheduled for Wednesday.
- Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) said Sunday she tested positive after multiple negative tests last week.
- Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) announced her positive test on Saturday. Like Dean, Lofgren and Schrier she said she is vaccinated and boosted with mild symptoms.
For the record: Several other House Democrats also announced a positive test in recent days. These include Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.)
- Connolly was not at the retreat, his spokesperson Jamie Smith told Axios. A spokesperson for Rep. Kim told The Hill, he had not been at the retreat.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional announcements from House Democrats.