New Jersey Democrat thinks she contracted coronavirus during Capitol siege

A Democratic congresswoman said Monday she has tested positive for COVID-19 after being locked in a room with maskless members of Congress during the riots at the Capitol last week.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), a 75-year old cancer survivor, said she believes she was exposed to COVID-19 while being held in protective isolation with other lawmakers, including some who did not wear masks.

“I received a positive test result for COVID-19, and am home resting at this time. 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 in a statement.

The congresswoman tested positive using a rapid antigen test. She is awaiting the results of a more reliable PCR test.

Congress’s attending physician warned lawmakers in an email Sunday they might have been exposed to COVID-19 during protective isolation, though it cannot be said for certain that Watson Coleman contracted the coronavirus while sheltering during the Capitol riots.