Fox News reported Wednesday that researchers at New York University believe the rapid coronavirus test being used at the White House may be misdiagnosing half the tests it runs, while administration officials like Hassett (who have taken the test) have signaled their own concerns about testing in general.
"Even testing doesn't remove all risks," Hassett, 58, said on Face the Nation, referencing Miller's case during his interview.
"The interesting or sad thing about my dear colleague who was stricken with the coronavirus this week is we were getting tested because we're close to the president everyday," Hassett said. "Even with that, she tested negative one day and positive the next day and she's going to work in a community where people are being tested. This is a very, very scary virus."
In the East Wing, Melania Trump's spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham tells PEOPLE that the first lady's staff is teleworking.
"If we go in for meetings, we get tested and strictly adhere to social distancing," says Grisham, 43.
Although the White House has 132 different rooms and spans 55,000 square feet, federal employees say workspaces can be tight and cramped.
Hassett, who said Sunday he practices "aggressive" social distancing, described the White House as "a small, crowded place" and said he'd feel safer working at home.
"It’s a little bit risky," Hassett admitted. "But you have to do it, because you have to serve your country and there are a lot of things you can't do except there."
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.
Source: Read Full Article