The Justice Department said Wednesday that Attorney General William Barr will be tested for coronavirus one day after he came into close contact with Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) who since tested positive for the virus.
Barr, who testified on Capitol Hill Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee, came within close range to Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) shortly before he entered an auditorium in the Capitol where the hearing took place, the department said.
While Barr had arrived wearing a mask, he walked into the hearing room without one, during which time he came into contact with Gohmert, who also was not wearing a mask. The two exchanged a comment or two before Gohmert and Barr parted ways.
Justice Department spokesman Kerri Kupec said Barr will be tested on Wednesday, one day after the encounter.
“The Attorney General will be tested today,” Kupec said in a statement, according to The Hill.
Health experts advise waiting a few days after exposure to get tested, to help avoid the risk of getting a false negative.
The DOJ did not respond to requests for comment about whether Barr is considering or planning to self-isolate out of an abundance of caution after coming into contact with Gohmert.
ACTUALLY… here is a video of AG Barr and Gohmert.
While Barr arrived with a mask, it was off when he walked into the hearing room, so both men were not wearing masks at this time. pic.twitter.com/xm6wuq6QvW
— Olivia Beavers (@Olivia_Beavers) July 29, 2020
