Staffer In Kai Kahele’s DC Office Tests Positive For COVID-19
The staffer was fully vaccinated when the infection occurred, a spokesman said.
WASHINGTON — Hawaii Congressman Kai Kahele’s office confirmed that one of his staffers in Washington tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week despite being fully vaccinated.
The announcement comes as coronavirus cases increase across the U.S. with the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.
Most new cases are among people who haven’t been vaccinated against the coronavirus, but there have been instances of breakthrough infections, including among staffers at the White House and in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office.
At least one member of Congress, who is fully vaccinated, has tested positive as well.
Michael Ahn, a spokesman for Kahele, said the representative’s office is working with the Office of the Attending Physician and is following recommendations and guidelines from the OAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kahele, meanwhile, has continued to participate in public events, Ahn said Friday. He wouldn’t disclose more details about the staffer’s condition.
Earlier this month, a large delegation of Native Hawaiians, including members of the state Legislature, traveled to Washington to participate in events celebrating Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole and the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.
Many of the events were organized by Kahele’s office. Ahn said Kahele’s staff members in the islands have been notified about the situation and are following protocols.
