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SCOTUS nominee Amy Coney Barrett, husband had COVID-19, officials say

Judge Amy Coney Barrett speaks after President Donald Trump announced her as his nominee to the Supreme Court in the Rose Garden on Sept. 26, 2020. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett and her husband had COVID-19 earlier this year and recovered, according to two administration officials.

The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.


Barrett was nominated to the high court last week after the death of liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Trump held a press conference outside where few people wore masks. Barrett and her family were not wearing them.

Trump announced Friday that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the virus, after aide Hope Hicks was diagnosed.

Barrett has also been meeting with senators ahead of her confirmation hearing, including Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who also announced Friday that he had tested positive for the virus.

The science is unclear on whether someone who has the virus can get it again.

More than 205,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.