Trump's Close National Security Advisor Also Infected with COVID-19 (Comprehensive)

Bloomberg "O'Brien NSC Advisor Tests Positive"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Robert O'Brien, National Security Advisor (NSC) to the White House, tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Bloomberg reported on the 27th (local time).

According to the report, Advisor O'Brien was infected with COVID-19 through a family gathering and has been quarantining at home instead of coming to the White House since late last week.

Previously, Katie Miller, spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence, also tested positive for COVID-19 and returned to work after self-quarantine.

Since Advisor O'Brien's role oversees U.S. national security, concerns about a work gap have arisen, but the report cited sources saying he is conducting NSC duties from home. This suggests that he is still asymptomatic for COVID-19.

As Advisor O'Brien is a close aide to U.S. President Donald Trump, concerns about the possibility of COVID-19 transmission to President Trump are expected to increase. The White House emphasized that President Trump is frequently tested for COVID-19, and the President himself recently mentioned that he wears a mask when necessary, heightening vigilance against COVID-19.