At 78, Biden is at particular risk of complications due to Covid-19. He plans to get the coronavirus vaccine in public as soon as early next week.
Biden and Richmond’s interactions totaled less than 15 minutes, and both wore masks at the outdoor event, the transition team said in a statement. Other attendees to the event included Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and Rep.-elect Nikema Williams — none of whom were in close contact with Richmond, the transition team said.
“The protocols we have followed are consistent with protocols we followed during the campaign to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” the transition said in a statement. “We take all precautions possible, follow the best guidance of public health officials and remain committed to transparency and information sharing when positive tests do arise.”
Just before traveling to Georgia, Richmond attended a funeral in Louisiana for the mother of State Sen. Cleo Fields. Fields’ mother passed away from the coronavirus, and a service was held Tuesday morning. Richmond, who represents Louisiana in Congress, is resigning his seat to take a senior role in the White House.
Richmond’s diagnosis comes after a member of the transition press pool tested positive for the virus Wednesday. The transition team said that person was never in close contact with Biden, but a number of staffers were. They have since been isolating.
Tyler Pager contributed reporting.
