Utah Sen. Mike Lee tested positive for COVID-19, he announced on Friday morning.
“Yesterday morning, I was experiencing symptoms consistent with longtime allergies,” the Republican said in a statement. “Out of an abundance of caution, I sought medical advice and was tested for COVID-19. Unlike the test I took just a few days ago while visiting the White House, yesterday’s test came back positive. On advice of the Senate attending physician, I will remain isolated for the next 10 days.”
It remains unclear when Lee contracted the coronavirus. He attended President Trump’s ceremony on Saturday to announce the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Barrett has tested negative for the virus.
Lee also said that he assured Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham that he “will be back to work in time to join my Judiciary Committee colleagues in advancing the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett.”
The news of Lee’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis came hours after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for the coronavirus. White House adviser Hope Hicks also tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday.
