3 top U.S. health chiefs enter self-quarantines

Dan Goldberg
·2 min read

Three top-ranking Trump administration health officials are in some form of quarantine after possible exposure in the White House — forcing them to self-isolate from a disease they are responsible for fighting.

CDC Director Robert Redfield and Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, on Saturday evening disclosed plans to isolate over the next two weeks after “low-risk” contact with an infected person. A day earlier, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn began two weeks of self-quarantine after coming in contact with White House spokesperson Katie Miller, who tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

All three officials serve on the White House coronavirus task force, which the administration this week declared would remain intact — shortly after President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence suggested its work would be winding down as they shifted focus to reopening the country.

The health officials moved to quarantine quickly after two coronavirus cases were confirmed in the White House this week, prompting the West Wing to install daily tests — even as Trump continues to downplay the need for testing, contradicting public health experts who say more robust test testing is needed to safely open workplaces. In addition to Miller, who attended coronavirus task force meetings, one of Trump’s valets also tested positive for the disease this week.

It was immediately unclear Saturday evening whether other task force members would isolate during the next two weeks.

A Redfield spokesperson said he will telework during this period, though he may join White House task force meetings while taking recommended safety measures. A Fauci spokesperson said he will take "appropriate precautions," which could include working home from more. However, he may still appear at official business in person while wearing a mask and keeping his distance from others.

The officials, along with HHS testing czar Brett Giroir, are scheduled to appear before the Senate health committee Tuesday — the first time administration officials involved in the virus response will testify in about two months.

The Senate panel announced Saturday evening that Hahn and Redfield would both appear via video conference. It did not immediately say whether Fauci would also participate remotely.