The united States is actually engaging in closing sporting events, entertainment events, closing businesses, and even our own government buildings. Congress has now taken steps to close down the Capitol, along with House and Senate Offices to the public amid the coronavirus spread.
That’s right, it’s not that people won’t be meeting there and coming and going, just you and I, you know the little people, aren’t allowed inside for our own safety.
Business Insider reports:
Congress is shutting down the US Capitol and all House and Senate offices to the public until April 1 due to the novel coronavirus, the Associated Press reported, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on Wednesday.
This move is “out of concern for the health and safety of congressional employees as well as the public,” the House and Senate sergeants at arms said, per AP.
Lawmakers, aides, journalists, and official visitors will continue to be granted access to the buildings.
This announcement came a day after it was reported an aide in the office of Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The aide was the first person connected to Congress who’s been diagnosed with the virus.
“On the advice of the Attending Physician, the senator has closed her Washington, D.C. office this week for deep cleaning and staff will be teleworking,” Cantwell’s office said in a statement.
CNBC adds:
Capitol tours will stop, while access to the building along with House and Senate office facilities will be limited to members, staff, press and business visitors starting Thursday at 5 p.m. ET, the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms Paul Irving and Michael Stenger said in a statement.
White House spokesman Judd Deere told NBC News the administration will stop tours of the president’s residence “until further notice.”
So, for the rest of the month, don’t expect to make any trips to DC to speak to your representative or senator or make any tours at the Capitol.
