rep bonnie watson coleman nj covid positive
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call
  • A New Jersey congresswoman has tested positive for COVID-19 after sheltering in place with fellow lawmakers.
  • Democratic Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a 75-year-old cancer survivor starting her third term, announced her diagnosis on Twitter early Monday afternoon.
  • “Following the events of Wednesday, including sheltering with several colleagues who refused to wear masks, I decided to take a Covid test,” Watson Coleman tweeted. “I have tested positive.”
  • “While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents,” Watson Coleman said in a statement issued by her office as she self-isolates at home.
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A House Democrat announced Monday that she tested positive for the coronavirus after sheltering in place with “colleagues who refused to wear masks” during the Capitol Siege last Wednesday.

“Following the events of Wednesday, including sheltering with several colleagues who refused to wear masks, I decided to take a Covid test,” Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., tweeted. “I have tested positive.”

Watson Coleman is a 75-year-old cancer survivor beginning her third term in Congress, hailing from the Central New Jersey district that includes the capital city of Trenton.

She received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine once it was made available to members of Congress, according to her office.

Read more: Could Trump mass-pardon his supporters who rioted at the Capitol? He has the power, and there is historical precedent.

In a statement published on her House website, Watson Coleman said she is self-isolating at home.

"While I am experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms, I remain in good spirits and will continue to work on behalf of my constituents," she said.

As Insider's Kelsey Vlamis reported last week, "about half" of the lawmakers crowded into a secure location during the siege refused to wear masks.

Video from the day of the siege showed Rep. Lisa Blunt, D-Del., offering masks to some of her Republican colleagues. 

Despite the congresswoman's pleas, they declined.

Expanded Coverage Module: capitol-siege-module

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