Rand Paul says he doesn’t need mask after having coronavirus: ‘I’m about the only safe person in Washington’

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Tuesday that he doesn’t need a face mask after having the coronavirus, despite experts remaining uncertain about how coronavirus immunity functions.  

The Kentucky senator told reporters at the Capitol that he has “immunity” after already contracting COVID-19. 

“I’ve already had the virus, so I can’t get it again, and I can’t give it to anybody,” he said.

When reporters asked him about reports that a newer strain of the virus could allow people to get reinfected, Paul responded, “That’s not true.”

“I can’t get it again, nor can I transmit it,” he continued. “So of all the people you’ll meet here, I’m about the only safe person in Washington.”

Health professionals are unsure at this point whether people who have already contracted COVID-19 are immune to future infections of the novel coronavirus. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended people wear face coverings in public spaces to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Many people who have tested positive for the virus have been asymptomatic. 

Paul was the first senator to test positive for the virus in March. The senator, who is also a doctor, received criticism from other lawmakers and health professionals after reportedly using the Senate gym and pool while waiting to get his coronavirus test results.

His office said Paul left the Capitol “IMMEDIATELY upon learning of his diagnosis” and went into quarantine on March 22. 

The Kentucky Republican announced in April that he was volunteering at a local hospital after being cleared from the virus. 

Jordain Carney contributed.