CDC’s Redfield warns storming of Capitol was a ‘surge event’ in coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus updates: CDC director calls Capitol riot a 'surge event' for pandemic; Queen Elizabeth gets vaccinated CDC's director calls the Capitol riot a 'surge event' for pandemic. The Queen has been vaccinated. Latest on COVID. Adrianna Rodriguez and Rachel Aretakis USA TODAY

WASHINGTON

Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned on Friday that the storming of the U.S. Capitol was likely a “surge event” in the coronavirus pandemic that would have public health consequences nationwide.

“I do think you have to anticipate that this is another surge event. You had largely unmasked individuals in a non-distanced fashion, who were all through the Capitol,” Redfield told McClatchy in an interview.

The outgoing CDC director characterized the riot as a “very, very sad day” for the nation, and expressed concern that members of Congress and law enforcement could have been exposed to COVID-19 after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump breached the building and roamed inside.

“Then these individuals all are going in cars and trains and planes going home all across the country right now. So I do think this is an event that will probably lead to a significant spreading event,” Redfield said. “This is an event that is going to have public health consequences.” ...