While all other senators who returned this week to Capitol Hill have on face coverings to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky said he won't wear a mask.
“I’ve already had the virus. So I can’t get it again, and I can’t give it to anybody," Paul told reporters, according to Fox News.
It's not clear whether a person whose already contracted coronavirus can be reinfected by the virus. But scientists think anyone who's been infected by coronavirus can develop antibodies after they've recovered from the condition.
"I can’t get it again nor can I transmit it," Paul said. "So of all the people you'll meet here, I'm about the only safe person in Washington you'll meet.”
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. criticized Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. for calling the Senate back in session even after the Capitol physician warned against the move.
“The Republican leader has called the Senate back into session despite the District of Columbia appearing to be reaching a peak phase [of coronavirus],” Schumer said. “If we are going to make these fine people come into work in these conditions, the Senate should focus like a laser on COVID-19 … but the majority leader has scheduled no hearings on COVID-19.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R- Ky. on the other hand backed up Paul's decision to return during the pandemic, and even called his congressional colleagues "essential workers," while criticizing Democrats for blocking the confirmation of judges.
“The deadly coronavirus does not take time off, so neither does the U.S. Senate,” McConnell said. “Qualified nominees who have been held up for too long are already more essential at this time.”
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