A staff member in Sen. Maria Cantwell’s Washington, D.C. office has tested positive for the coronavirus, leaving the senator to close her Capitol Hill office this week and make plans to serve constituents remotely.

The aide, who was not identified, is the first known case of the virus on Capitol Hill.

Despite some pressure not to meet, both the Senate and House have been following regular schedules this week, holding hearings and votes.

Congress is scheduled to leave midday Thursday for an extended spring recess, and is not expected to return until March 23.

The statement from Cantwell’s office said that, “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.

“Senator Cantwell’s Seattle and Washington, D.C. offices will continue to serve her constituents remotely.

“The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 has had no known contact with the senator or other members of Congress.

“The senator is requesting that testing be done on any other staffers who have been in contact with the individual and show symptoms.”

This story was originally publishedMarch 11, 2020 at 9:03 PM.

David Lightman

McClatchy DC

David Lightman is McClatchy’s chief congressional correspondent. He’s been writing, editing and teaching for nearly 50 years, with stops in Hagerstown, Maryland; Riverside, California; Annapolis; Baltimore; and, since 1981, Washington.