Harris and second gentleman hand out cookies to essential workers at DC veterans hospital

Vice President Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff stopped at a Washington, D.C., veterans hospital on Saturday to hand out cookies to essential workers. 

The couple stopped at the D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center and met up with Denis McDonough, secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and his wife to pass out the cookies to health care workers, according to a pool report.

The news comes just one day before Valentine’s Day and amid a pandemic that continues to rage in the U.S. Earlier in the pandemic, long-term care facilities, including those that housed veterans, had been severely impacted by the coronavirus. 

McDonough was confirmed in an 87-7 vote on Monday, becoming the second nonveteran to hold the position. 

McDonough will be tasked with getting the coronavirus vaccine to veterans and those working in veterans hospitals. The Veterans Affairs office is responsible for the health care of more than 9 million veterans. 

Health care workers have been a priority in receiving the vaccine since they are on the front lines and taking care of those with COVID-19. 

Harris announced this week they are ready to extend vaccines to community health centers, expanding access to those who want a vaccine.