Mayor Muriel Bowser says District, White House in communication now regarding COVID-19

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser addresses coronavirus total, communication with White House

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed press questions pertaining to a one-day jump in positive cases, along with contact-tracing communication with the White House.

WASHINGTON - D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the White House and the city have been in contact regarding COVID-19 metrics – two days after health officials’ attempts to establish communication were reportedly “unsuccessful.”

The White House was at the center of a host of confirmed cases last week – beginning with top aide Hope Hicks, and then reaching President Donald Trump himself.

After the White House confirmed the President’s case, a slew of top administration officials tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

During a Monday news conference, the mayor said District health officials had attempted to make contact with the Trump administration for the purposes of contact tracing - but without success.

On Wednesday, the mayor said the White House responded to the District’s outreach, and that they now have a better understanding of the protocols involved.

“We did get a response on Monday – later in the day on Monday – where Dr. Nesbitt was able to talk to the medical office – I think the deputy director, and understand what their processes are. So we did get a communication back from them,” the mayor said.

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The District had what appeared to be a worrying spike in cases this week – when they recorded more than 100 cases for the first time since early June.

The mayor, however, said she doesn’t take much stock in a one-day spike, noting that these numbers fluctuate greatly from one day to the next.

On Wednesday, the District reported 45 new cases.