Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh poses in a group photograph of Justices at Washington's Supreme Court, April 23, 2021.
Kavanaugh and his wife were asked by the court to refrain from attending Friday's event for Justice Amy Coney Barrett (the newest member of court), in which they will take the oath.
The court stated that Kavanaugh, 56 years old, has not shown any symptoms of the virus. Since January, he has been completely vaccinated against Covid.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh tested positive for coronavirus. This was just three days before the court's next term begins.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh crossed the finish line at the ACLI Capital Challenge 3 Mile team race in Anacostia Park, Wednesday, September 29, 2021.
According to the court, Kavanaugh's results from the test did not affect the beginning of the new term on Monday. Nine months after the pandemic, nine justices will hear oral arguments in person.
A court spokeswoman did not respond immediately to a request for more information.
Covid is a greater threat to the health of older adults. Stephen Breyer is the oldest court member at 83. Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Breyer are all in their 70s. Barrett is 49 years old and is the youngest justice.
By March, all nine justices were vaccinated against this virus.
The court stated that Kavanaugh had taken a Covid test on Thursday ahead of Barrett's investiture ceremony. Kavanaugh received word that he had passed the test.
The court stated that all justices, including Kavanaugh on Monday morning, had passed a negative test prior to attending a private conference where they discussed adding cases to the docket.
According to the court, Kavanaugh's daughters and wife also failed a test on Thursday.
Below is the full court statement
Justice Kavanaugh took a routine Covid test on Thursday in accordance with Court protocols. Justice Barrett was to be installed Friday. Justice Kavanaugh received the news that he had been tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday evening. He is currently free from symptoms and has been fully immunized since January. All Justices were tested on Monday morning before conference according to Court testing protocols. Justice Kavanaugh was the only one who failed. Justice Kavanaugh's daughters and wife are all fully vaccinated and tested negative on Thursday. Justice and Mrs. Kavanaugh are not expected to attend Justice Barrett's investiture today as a precaution.
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