Pelosi and Biden aides test positive for COVID-19 after contact with Texas Democrats

Drew Hammill, one of Pelosi's top aides, said that while the senior staffer did not have any recent contacts with the speaker, her office is taking extra precautions, according to Fox News.

"Yesterday, a fully vaccinated senior spokesperson in the speaker's press office tested positive for COVID after contact with members of the Texas state legislature last week," said Drew Hammill.

"This individual has had no contact with the speaker since exposure. The entire press office is working remotely today with the exception of individuals who have had no exposure to the individual or have had a recent negative test. Our office will continue to follow the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician closely."

Pelosi and her staff also began wearing masks again in the capitol, and when asked if she would reinstate the mask mandate in the House of Representatives, she said that such a decision "will be up to the Capitol physician."

Axios reported that a White House staffer who also had contact with the Texas Democrats tested positive for the virus. A White House official told Fox News that the White House is "prepared for breakthrough cases with regular testing. This is another reminder of the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines against severe illness or hospitalization. We wish our colleague a speedy recovery."

The news comes after six of the Texas Democrats who fled to Washington DC tested positive for COVID-19, despite all being fully vaccinated.

Vice President Kamala Harris, whose visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was scheduled and routine on Sunday, also had close contact with the Texas Democrats, but has since tested negative, which was confirmed by White House press secretary Jen Psaki at the briefing Monday.

"I think the vice president's office put out that she was tested and there was no detection of COVID-19," said Psaki.

"They also put out some specific details about their proximity to the individuals who tested positive as well. We take these precautions incredibly seriously and abide by the guidance of our help and medical experts."