Coronavirus: Top US lawmakers to receive COVID-19 vaccine
The top leaders of the US House and Senate will be receiving the coronavirus vaccine this week, and Congress’ attending physician has informed members that they are all eligible for the shots under “government continuity” guidelines.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell both said Thursday that they will get vaccinated in the next few days.
Pelosi, D-Calif., is third in the line of succession for the presidency, after President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. McConnell, R-Ky., is not in the line of succession, but as majority leader, he is in charge of running the Senate.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
In a statement Thursday, Pelosi said: “We must all continue to embrace testing, tracing, treatment, mask wearing and social distancing as the vaccine is being distributed. It is imperative that we ensure that the vaccine will be free and delivered in a fair, equitable manner to as many Americans as soon as possible and that we accelerate its manufacture, including by invoking the Defense Production Act.”
McConnell said that as a polio survivor, he is especially aware of the “extraordinary promise of hope” vaccines offer. He said he’ll continue to wear a mask and follow other health guidelines.
Read more:
Profiles linked to France, Russia waged Africa disinformation campaign: Facebook
Coronavirus: UN chief urges rich countries to share COVID-19 vaccines
Coronavirus: Palestinians left waiting as Israel is set to deploy COVID-19 vaccine
Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the Capitol physician, sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to make appointments with his office to be vaccinated.
“Once we have completed the vaccination of the Members, we will follow a process to identify the continuity-essential staff members,” Monahan said, adding that his office would continue with appointments “until the small vaccine supply is exhausted.”
Also Read
-
Coronavirus: US ready to ship 5.9mln doses of new, near-approval COVID-19 vaccine
-
Coronavirus: UN chief urges rich countries to share COVID-19 vaccines
-
Coronavirus: Palestinians left waiting as Israel is set to deploy COVID-19 vaccine
-
Coronavirus: UAE records 1,321 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths in 24 hours