TheCable

Two people who attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in Washington have tested positive for coronavirus.

This was disclosed on Friday by AIPAC, a pro-Israel lobbying group. The conference is a celebration of the US-Israel partnership and the opportunity for every attendee to lobby their congressional office to advance the relationship.

AIPAC said the infected patients had travelled from New York to attend the event which was held between March 1 and 3.

The event attracted thousands of attendees including high-profile personalities and members of congress like United States Vice-President Mike Pence, and Mike Pompeo, US secretary of state, who were among the speakers.

Mitch McConnell, senate majority leader and Mike Bloomberg, former presidential hopeful, were also in attendance

“We have confirmed that at least two Policy Conference attendees from New York have tested positive for the coronavirus,” AIPAC said in the tweet.

“We have continued to remain in constant communication with the Westchester County Health Department and the DC Health Department which is coordinating with the New York Health Department, and national health authorities.

“We have consulted with a top infectious disease specialist, Dr Edward Septimus- Adjunct Professor Internal Medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine.

“The guidance of these health professionals continues to be that all conference participants should follow CDC guidelines and consult their health care providers f they feel ill or have medical questions.”

Important Update: Coronavirus

As emailed to Policy Conference attendees, participants, speakers, administration and Hill offices.https://t.co/0mkWeuRErA pic.twitter.com/EHl694pkgJ

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— AIPAC (@AIPAC) March 6, 2020

AIPAC later issued another statement that no identified risk to attendees had been identified. It asked attendees to consult their doctors if they feel ill.

“Based on our investigation, thus far, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, there is no identified risk to conference attendees at this time,” it said.

“All attendees and members of the public are urged to follow the well-established prevention tips like staying home if sick and calling ahead to a health provider if experiencing symptoms. We will work with AIPAC leadership to keep all attendees informed of any new developments.”

The DC Health Department has issued the following statement:https://t.co/rsDEqSOZbA pic.twitter.com/GBtmhABLFF

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— AIPAC (@AIPAC) March 7, 2020

The coronavirus death toll in the US rose to 17 on Friday with more than 300 confirmed cases.

Since the outbreak in Wuhan, China, the virus has killed more than 3,450 people and infected over 100,000 across 92 countries.