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.
At one point during Monday’s hearings, Lee had a mask covering his face, some pointed out.
Here is the full letter regarding Lee’s health and his doctor’s recommendation to be removed from isolation from other people.
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