The White House bans members of the press who do not have a seat on the updated seating chart from the White House complex.
Out of an abundance of caution, the White House Press Office is taking the following temporary steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, while at the same time continuing to provide access to the press to cover the Trump Administration’s unprecedented actions to combat this pandemic. Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and continuing until further notice:
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has issued an emergency and temporary seating chart for the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room that reflects appropriate social distancing guidelines. We applaud this action
Members of the press who do not have a seat on the updated seating chart or who do not participate in the President’s In-House Pool will not be permitted access to the White House Complex.
Exceptions will be made for a limited number of technicians.
Exceptions will be made for networks who have a stand-up position on Pebble Beach.
All members of the press who do qualify to enter the Complex under these temporary new rules will undergo a basic health screening, including temperature readings before being granted access.
Now, more than ever, America needs a healthy, fair, and accurate press to deliver the news. We again urge members of the press to direct the American people to Coronavirus.gov for the most up-to-date and factual information available.
When possible, members of the press seeking information are encouraged to call or email press staff as opposed to physically entering the Lower or Upper Press Offices. Thank you for understanding that necessary and temporary precautions must be made during this unprecedented situation for your safety and for the safety of our great Nation.