Utah Sen. Mike Lee said Friday morning he has tested positive for COVID-19. He was tested Thursday after experiencing symptoms that appeared to be allergies, according to a statement.
“Out of an abundance of caution, I sought medical advice and was tested for Covid-19,” he said in a statement.
Lee said he took a test while visiting the White House “a few days ago” which came back negative. Lee was at the White House on Saturday to watch President Donald Trump officially announce Amy Coney Barrett as a nominee for the Supreme Court.
Lee met with Barrett on Tuesday and posted a photo with her on Twitter in which they are standing less than 6 feet apart and neither of them are wearing masks. The Washington Post reported that Barrett tested positive for the coronavirus this summer and recovered, according to “three officials familiar with her diagnosis.” The newspaper also reported that White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said Barrett tested negative for the virus Friday morning.
I was remarkably impressed by Judge Barrett. My meeting with her was fantastic. She is a judge, a legal scholar, and a lawyer with outstanding credentials. We had a great conversation and I am very much looking forward to speaking with her more during her confirmation hearing. pic.twitter.com/rfGt717PlW
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 29, 2020
Lee’s announcement comes just hours after President Trump said that he and First Lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19.
Lee said he will isolate for the next 10 days, per the advice of the Senate physician.
“I have spoken with Leader McConnell and Chairman Graham, and assured them I will be back in time to join my Judiciary Committee colleagues in advancing the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett in the Committee and then to the full Senate,” he said.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) October 2, 2020
