Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, after repeatedly refusing to wear a mask while working in Washington.
He previously told CNN his decision to not wear a mask was due to the fact he was being tested for coronavirus, adding that if he gets it “you’ll never see me without a mask.”
Gohmert was scheduled to fly to Texas with President Donald Trump and received his diagnosis during a pre-screen at the White House.
He becomes the seventh congressman to contract the virus, along with Reps. Mario Diaz Balart (R-Florida), Neal Dunn (R-Florida), Morgan Griffith (R-Virginia), Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania), Ben McAdams (D-Utah) and Tom Rice (R-South Carolina).
His positive diagnosis prompted Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) to mandate face masks while on the House floor. Lawmakers would only be allowed to remove them temporarily while speaking.
Gohmert announced Wednesday evening that he would begin a regime of the controversial drug, hydroxychloroquine, to treat his COVID-19.
“My doctor and I are all in,” Gohmert told Fox News‘ Sean Hannity. “I got a text just before I came on [Fox News] from a friend doctor who just found out he had it, and he started the regimen too—zinc, azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine. And that will start in a day or two, so thank you.”
The drug, a favorite of Trump’s, had its emergency authorization from the Federal Drug Administration revoked for being “ineffective” and causing an array of mainly cardiac-related side effects.
Gohmert had attended the House Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General William Barron Tuesday and was videoed walking in close proximity to Barr with neither wearing a mask. Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec told Politico that Barr will be tested for coronavirus.
Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-New York) reprimanded several Republicans for removing their masks during the hearings, although he did not explicitly call out Gohmert.
“I would remind Mr. Jordan, Mr. Biggs and Mr. Johnson to stop violating the rules of the committee,” Nadler said to Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Andy Biggs (R-Arizona) and Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana). “To stop violating the safety of the members of the committee. To stop holding themselves out as not caring by refusing to wear their masks.”
Nadler wished Gohmert a speedy recovery, but underscored the importance of wearing a face covering.
“I want to wish [Gohmert] a full & speedy recovery,” Nadler tweeted. “When individuals refuse to take the necessary precautions it puts everyone at risk. I’ve regularly instructed all Members to wear their masks and hope this is a lesson by all my colleagues.”
