All 100 Senators gained’t have the ability to be screened for the coronavirus once they return to work on Monday — as a result of there aren’t sufficient assessments, in response to a number of experiences.
The Capitol’s attending doctor, Dr. Brian Monahan, informed Republican leaders in a name on Thursday that he solely has the capability to check Senators and staffers who’re sick or exhibiting signs of COVID-19, however not those that are asymptomatic, Politico reported.
He additionally mentioned that he didn’t have entry to the fast 15-minute assessments that the White Home is utilizing.
“My check consequence can take between two and 7 enterprise days to resolve,” he mentioned on the decision, in response to Axios.
Roughly half of the Senators are 65 or older, putting them at greater danger for the virus, in response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
The Senate will reconvene on Monday after greater than a month away, with Majority Chief Mitch McConnell insisting it could function safely amid the pandemic by way of social distancing and using face-coverings.
“We are going to modify routines in methods which can be sensible and secure, however we’ll honor our constitutional obligation to the American folks and conduct important enterprise in particular person,” he mentioned.
The 435 members of the Home have been initially anticipated to return on Could 4, however the Democratic leaders determined in opposition to it after consulting with Monahan.