Pence's 'body man' among aides who tested positive for coronavirus: report

Source: The Hill | October 25, 2020 | Justine Coleman

Vice President Mike Pence’s “body man” was among the aides who tested positive for COVID-19, CNN reported on Sunday.

Zach Bauer, who serves as the vice president’s “body man,” was one of the staffers who tested positive earlier this week, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. The duties of a body man include accompanying Pence throughout the day and night and assisting him with a variety of activities. 

At least five people in Pence’s circle have tested positive for coronavirus in recent days, sources told CNN, including chief of staff Marc Short, which the vice president’s office confirmed Saturday evening, and adviser Marty Obst, who is not a government employee.

“Today, Marc Short, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, tested positive for COVID-19, began quarantine and assisting in the contact tracing process,” Pence’s press secretary Devin O’Malley said in a statement Saturday. “Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence both tested negative for COVID-19 today, and remain in good health.”

“While Vice President Pence is considered a close contact with Mr. Short, in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the Vice President will maintain his schedule in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel,” O’Malley said.

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White House chief of staff Mark Meadows declined to say on CNN’s “State of the Union” how many people in Pence’s office tested positive for the virus, saying “we don’t give out that kind of information.”

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Trump administration and campaign officials defended Pence’s planned travel this week, calling him an essential worker. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those who are considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to stay home for 14 days from their last contact with that individual.

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