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Vice President Kamala Harris did not wear a mask during the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Supreme Court justice. This happened despite the fact that Harris was considered at high risk for a potential COVID infection after her communications aid Jamal Simmons tested positive for the virus.
In view of the situation, journalists asked the White House spokeswoman about the government’s position on the non-compliance with the COVID-19 protocol, promoted by the CDC, on the part of the Democratic vice-president. Psaki defended the fact that Harris did not wear masks because, in her opinion, it was a historic day.
“‘It was an emotional day. It was a historic day. And there were moments when she was not wearing a mask inside, including in a photo, but she was wearing it 99.9% of the time,” Psaki said during the White House press conference.
CDC guidelines state that those who are exposed, but are vaccinated and boosted, as is the case with Harris, should wear a mask for 10 days after exposure. “Wear a well-fitting mask for a full 10 days whenever you are with others inside your home or in public. Do not go to places where you cannot wear a well-fitting mask,” the guidance explains.
Kamala Harris complies with the protocol
Two days before Judge Brown Jackson’s event, the White House reported Jamal Simmons’ positive COVID-19 test. Likewise, the Vice President’s office stated that Kamala Harris was considered a close contact and would comply with CDC guidance, something that did not happen.
Finally, Jen Psaki maintained that Harris was tested for COVID-19 and came back negative. “I would note the President and the Vice President have both tested negative in the last 24 hours,” she stressed.
