Notre Dame president, who attended Supreme Court announcement, tests positive for COVID-19

The University of Notre Dame’s president, the Rev. John I. Jenkins, who was present at Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination ceremony at the White House on Saturday, has tested positive for the coronavirus, a university spokesperson confirmed to The Hill on Friday.

Barrett, a law professor at Notre Dame, tested negative for the virus Friday after news of President Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis broke.

Jenkins, 66, had apologized to the Notre Dame community after complaints were raised that he attended the White House event without wearing a mask. He has been self-quarantining since his visit to Washington. 

“My symptoms are mild and I will continue work from home,” Jenkins said in a statement. “The positive test is a good reminder for me and perhaps for all of how vigilant we need to be.”

Trump announced early Friday morning that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus, news that came just hours after reports of a positive test for longtime Trump aide Hope Hicks.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who attended Barrett’s ceremony on Saturday, also announced Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel also tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, but did not reveal the diagnosis until Friday.

Several administration officials have tested negative for the virus, including Attorney General William Barr, who was present at the nomination ceremony.