The two men were found positive for nCoV after arriving at a conference in Washington attended by Vice President Mike Pence.

The Policy Conference, organized by the Israeli Civil Service Commission (AIPAC) in Washington DC from March 1 to 3, was attended by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and dozens of MPs, including Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and former Democratic presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg.

In an email to attendees, speakers and parliamentary office on March 6, AIPAC said two people infected with nCoV had traveled from New York to the event.

"We confirm that at least two policy conference participants from New York have been tested positive for nCoV," AIPAC said. The State of New York currently records 44 Covid-19 cases, most in Westchester County. "We are continuing to maintain regular contact with the Westchester Health Commission and the Washington Health Commission, who are working with the New York Health Commission and national health officials."

In a statement sent to Washington health officials late in the day, AIPAC said it had not identified any risks to others attending the event.

The Policy Conference, which takes place annually at Capitol Hill, attracts about 18,000 people from across the United States, including about two-thirds of Congress members, to pledge support to Israel. The AIPAC urges guests to attend events to contact local health officials if infected with nCoV.

Vice President Pence is leading a response to the US nCoV. The country currently records 330 cases, of which 15 have recovered and 17 have died. The states of Washington, California, Florida and Maryland have declared a state of emergency because of Covid-19.