Senate

Sinema criticizes Paul for alleged behavior ahead of coronavirus test results: ‘Absolutely irresponsible’

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) blasted reports that Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) attended the Senate gym and swam in the pool while awaiting his COVID-19 test results, which later came back positive.

“I’ve never commented about a fellow Senator’s choices/actions. Never once. This, America, is absolutely irresponsible,” Sinema tweeted. “You cannot be near other people while waiting for coronavirus test results. It endangers others & likely increases the spread of the virus.”

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) reportedly told colleagues during a Senate Republican lunch Sunday that Paul had gone to the gym and swam Sunday morning, which was also when he received his COVID-19 test results.

Paul became the first known senator to test positive for the virus Sunday morning. A spokesman said Paul was asymptomatic and did not know of any infected person with whom he had come in contact. He also said the Kentucky senator would self-quarantine.

The Hill has reached out to Paul’s office for comment.