In the early morning hours of October 2, news that Donald and Melania Trump both had COVID-19 emerged. Both may represent the most high-profile cases of confirmed novel Coronavirus cases in the world. Later in the day, the president was taken by helicopter to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
But that wasn't all throughout October 2 to rock the news cycle. Many other cases connected to the president were announced. At this point, it can't necessarily be said with certainty where they all caught the novel coronavirus. But all of them seem to have a particular event in common.
Several attendees at Supreme Court White House event develop COVID-19
White House staffer Hope Hicks reportedly became sick on September 30. She tested positive for COVID-19 the next day. Followed shortly after by the Trumps, both of whom have also become ill.
Several other COVID-positive cases have been announced since then, possibly with more to come. The individuals in question were all in attendance at a recent event at the White House Rose Garden. It was to formally announce the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court. Space had opened because of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Tensions were already high regarding filling the seat, particularly in a Presidential election year.
But now speculation is ripe that the gathering might've been some superspreader event.
At least two U.S. senators have tested positive since showing up at the announcement. CNN reports that they are Senators Mike Lee and Thom Tillis. Lee is a former lawyer from Utah. Tillis is a former speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Both are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Their potential absence could be pivotal in a Supreme Court debate.
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was also in the Rose Garden and has now also tested positive for COVID-19. McDaniel is the niece of Senator Mitt Romney, a former Republican Presidential nominee.
However, McDaniel and her uncle have two very different relationships with Donald Trump.
The positive test results haven't ended there. Other cases include at least three reporters, according to The Hill. Even Kellyanne Conway has tested positive. Conway is a former well-known White House staff member. She no longer is an employee there but was still a guest at the White House for the announcement.
Cases skyrocketing in recent weeks
Confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus have been spiking lately across the country. Much of it has been attributed to opening schools and colder weather. Along with other factors, like so-called 'COVID fatigue.' Instances where people get tired of following safety guidelines and let their guard down.
Other prominent figures who've recently tested positive include the governors of Missouri and Virginia and their wives. So has at least one U.S. representative. Climbing positive test results have been happening in other countries, including Canada, where two top Parliamentary leaders tested positive within days of each other. Their wives also developed COVID-19.
