WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he will be temporarily shifting his Washington, D.C. office operations to telework in response to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Senator King’s decision comes after the Senate Sergeant at Arms instituted new restrictions to the Capitol complex, including closing the Capitol to all tours and preventing visitors from accessing Senate Office Buildings without staff escorts. Yesterday, a Congressional staffer who works in Hart Senate Office Building – where Senator King’s D.C. office is located – tested positive for COVID-19. At this time, there is no indication that Senator King or any member of his staff had contact with this staffer.

“In response to news that at least one staff member working in the Senate has tested positive for COVID-19, staff in my Washington, D.C. office will be shifting to telework,” said Senator King. “At this moment, I have no reason to believe that I or any of my staff have come into contact with someone who was infected by COVID-19 – but given the stakes, I have a responsibility to lead by example.

“This shift will not prevent me or my staff from working to support and protect Maine people. I will continue to work on the floor of the Senate to pass legislation that will bolster America’s efforts to confront the coronavirus and remedy the economic fallout, and my staff will continue to be accessible for Maine people. Maine people should know that we are still hard at work on their behalf.

“My first priority is the health and safety of my staff and the Maine people. I am confident that this step will help prevent further spread of this disease without hindering our ability to serve the people of Maine.”

Senator King’s Maine offices will remain open. Any Maine people looking to speak with a member of his staff can call the following office locations:

Augusta: 622-8292

Bangor: 945-8000

Biddeford: 352-5216

Presque Isle: 764-5124

Requests for flags flown over the Capitol will be paused until Senator King’s office returns to standard operations.