Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, defended Friday Judge Ketanji Jackson’s hug without a mask after she came in close contact with people who tested positive for COVID-19.
Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Psaki about the embrace that took place earlier in Friday at the White House as part of a ceremony to honor Jackson’s confirmation to Supreme Court. Psaki seemed to admit to the error, saying Harris had experienced an “emotional moment”.
Psaki also mentioned Harris was outside.
“Does CDC believe that people in close contact with others can give hugs outside? Doocy asked.
Psaki stated, “We know Peter, that outside can be very beneficial,”
Doocy reminded Psaki that Harris had abandoned the use of a mask while presided over the Senate confirmation for Jackson.
Psaki stated that Harris was “playing an important role” in the confirmation or supervision of the Supreme Court’s first Black woman. Harris, she claimed, was “socially distant from people for the vast majority of her time supervising yesterday’s confirmation.”
When Psaki was pressed further about the incident and asked how it “isn’t a case of rulesfor thee but not for VP”, Doocy replied that Harris “was socially distant for 99.9% today, and she had a moment of emotion, which is understandable.”
Jamal Simmons, Harris’ communications director tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. This was just one day after Harris attended a White House ceremony where he was in close touch with Harris and former President Barack Obama. Simmons is unable to sleep at home.
According to the CDC, people who have been exposed to COVID-positive individuals should wear a mask for ten days whenever they are around other people.
Psaki also stated Friday that there is a possibility President Biden might test positive for COVID-19.
Psaki stated to reporters that even though the president was double-booted, he could still test positive in Covid.
