One source mentioned that the symptoms observed among the affected aides have been mild so far. Another individual close to the campaign indicated that there is no significant worry regarding staffing shortages for the planned events.
Since the convention’s conclusion on Thursday, various attendees and journalists have shared their positive Covid test results on social media.
Jaimey Sexton, a Chicago-based political consultant who attended the convention and participated in multiple related activities, commented on the situation, saying, “When you pack 20,000 people into a venue designed for 18,000, it’s almost inevitable.” Sexton added that he personally knows people who contracted Covid at the convention and has heard of others through word of mouth. “Anyone involved in organizing these events likely knows someone who has Covid now,” he remarked.
The convention saw overflow crowds at the United Center each day, especially on Thursday when Vice President Harris delivered her acceptance speech. By 8 p.m. that evening, organizers had to announce that the venue was at full capacity and would be closed off to further attendees.
That night, there was a buzz that a surprise guest would make an appearance and electrify the crowd. Rumors circulated beforehand that pop icon Beyoncé might take the stage. Harris has notably used Beyoncé’s hit song “Freedom” as a theme for her campaign. At one point, TMZ reported that the rumors were accurate, only to later retract the story.
In a reflection on the situation, NewsNation reporter Kellie Meyer posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Maybe the DNC surprise was the Covid we picked up along the way,” along with a photo of her positive Covid test.
Back in 2020, before the availability of vaccines, the Democrats canceled their in-person convention due to Covid. This time around, there were no health-related mandates, such as testing or mask-wearing, imposed on attendees prior to last week’s events.
Experts have noted an increase in Covid cases this summer, cautioning that this could be one of the most severe summer waves yet, echoing a global surge in infections.
Spokespersons for both the Harris campaign and the Democratic National Convention did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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