2 more Trump staffers test positive for COVID-19 following Tulsa rally

Two staffers who attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Saturday have now tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Trump’s campaign confirmed Monday.

“After another round of testing for campaign staff in Tulsa, two additional members of the advance team tested positive for the coronavirus,” Trump campaign Communications Director Tim Murtaugh said in a statement released Monday.

“These staff members attended the rally but were wearing masks during the entire event. Upon the positive tests, the campaign immediately activated established quarantine and contact tracing protocols,” he added.

The latest diagnoses bring the total number of Trump advance team staffers in Tulsa who tested positive for the virus to eight.

The six earlier positive tests of advance team members, which included at least two Secret Service agents, were confirmed immediately prior to the event, and those staffers did not attend the rally, CNBC reported.

Trump is scheduled to visit Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona, Tuesday for an event hosted by Students for Trump.

Those attending the Tulsa rally – Trump’s first since the coronavirus halted all in-person campaign activities – had to acknowledge the “inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present” and agree not to sue the campaign if they contracted the virus, CNN reported.

“By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury,” read the disclaimer signed by attendees.

According to the Tulsa Fire Department, fewer than 6,200 people attended the Tulsa rally.

Phoenix event attendees on Tuesday will be asked to sign a similar waiver, stating: “By attending this convention, you and any guest voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Turning Point Action, their affiliates, Dream City Church, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.”

Less than one week ago, the Phoenix City Council passed an ordinance requiring people six years and older to wear face coverings in public, CNBC reported.

“We’ve seen tremendous compliance with the mask ordinance that went into effect this weekend. Everyone attending tomorrow’s event, particularly any elected official, should set an example to residents by wearing a mask. This includes the President,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a prepared statement.

Cox Media Group