Sen. Mike Lee issued a doctor’s letter saying he no longer needs to be in isolation for COVID-19, as criticism stirred surrounding his in-person presence — without a mask — at the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
The Utah Republican was diagnosed with the virus about 10 days ago, shortly after he attended the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event announcing President Donald Trump’s nomination of Barrett. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) was also diagnosed with the virus after attending the announcement event, but he opted to attend the hearings remotely.
Lee posted the letter from the attending physician of Congress, Dr. Brian Monahan, on Monday as he joined the Senate Judiciary Committee for hearings.
The letter says, “Based on current CDC guidelines, you have met criteria to end COVID-19 isolation for those with mild to moderate disease.”
The doctor says Lee reported “remaining but improving fatigue” but has had no fever for at least 24 hours. He says Lee reported on Sunday that “other symptoms have improved.” The letter notes it has been more than 10 days “since symptom onset.”
Several took to Twitter to denounce Lee’s maskless participation in the historic day.
Mike Lee has COVID and is attending in the room. Lindsey Graham refuses to get tested for COVID. https://t.co/jHKQGXdK60
— Jonathan Ladd (@jonmladd) October 12, 2020
Utah GOP Sen Mike Lee appearing at Barrett hearing in person, without a mask, just 10 days after testing positive for covid, violating CDC quarantine guidelines. This is same guy who says he doesn't believe in democracy pic.twitter.com/2QCcIP6vg9
— Ari Berman (@AriBerman) October 12, 2020
To be clear: what Mike Lee is currently doing in the US Senate - appearing at a large gathering in a confined indoor space without a mask after testing positive for covid-19 - is illegal in most countries.
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) October 12, 2020
Why is Senator Mike Lee, who tested Covid-positive, speaking without wearing a mask at this hearing with Judge Barrett and her family present and everyone else there exposed?
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) October 12, 2020
Sen. Ted Cruz is appearing virtually. He has tested negative for COVID but has been self-quarantining after coming into contact with Sen. Mike Lee...who tested positive and delivered his in-person maskless opening statement in the hearing room.
— Hallie Jackson (@HallieJackson) October 12, 2020
This proceeding today is a disgrace. It should not be happening. And Mike Lee’s mask-less presence and presentation powerfully exemplify the cynical lack of principle that has governed the actions of the leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee. https://t.co/O9jzcHBpab
— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) October 12, 2020
At one point during Monday’s hearings, Lee had a mask covering his face, some pointed out.
Mike Lee is in the hearing room and chatting with Graham pic.twitter.com/EKT2vnCtnv
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) October 12, 2020
Here is the full letter regarding Lee’s health and his doctor’s recommendation to be removed from isolation from other people.
