Staffer to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Dies from Coronavirus

Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, D.C., announced Friday that a member of her staff has died from the Chinese coronavirus.

“A member of my team who worked in the office of legal counsel recently tested positive for COVID-19 and he passed away this morning,” Bowser told reporters during a press briefing. “My prayers right now are with his family, his entire team and of course we will be supporting them during this very difficult time.”

“It’s devastating for everybody of course and we are very sorry. These are folks who are coming to work because they are performing essential tasks,” she added.

The staffer has been identified as George Valentine, who served as deputy director of the mayor’s office of legal counsel.

 

As of Friday, D.C. has 267 confirmed coronavirus cases and three deaths.