Reynolds May Self-Isolate After Meeting Compromised Pence

Bloomberg News’ Jennifer Jacobs is reporting that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and state epidemiologist Caitlin Pedati may self-isolate out of precaution from their recent interactions with Vice President Mike Pence and his staff. News broke early this evening that Pence will be “voluntarily limiting his exposure and will work from home,” though he’s expected back at the White House on Monday. This comes after the Vice President’s press secretary tested positive for the virus late this week.

According to Jacobs, Pedati will self-isolate and the Governor is considering it. Both traveled to the White House on Wednesday of this past week to speak with President Donald Trump, Pence and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue about Iowa’s coronavirus response and the nation’s food supply. While there, Reynolds reportedly interacted with Katie Miller, the infected Pence aide.

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After that visit, Pence traveled to Iowa on Friday, a trip that got off to an inauspicious start when his plane had to be delayed an hour after it was learned that Miller tested positive. Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley accompanied Pence on the flight.

Though it appeared that all the elected officials largely kept their distance from one another during the Iowa trip, none of them wore masks at the public events or the meeting of mostly conservative religious leaders.

This weekend, several members of Trump’s coronavirus task force, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, will self-quarantine after their own potential exposure this week.

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by Pat Rynard
Posted 5/10/20

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