Administration health officials to answer senators’ questions via videoconferencing

Administration officials will answer senators’ questions at a Tuesday hearing through video conference, Senate Health Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said Sunday. 

“After consulting with Dr. [Anthony] Fauci, and in an abundance of caution for our witnesses, senators, and the staff, all four Administration witnesses will appear by videoconference due to these unusual circumstances,” Alexander said in a statement. 

The update follows Alexander’s announcement on Saturday that FDA Commissioner Stephan Hahn and CDC Director Robert Redfield, who are both self-quarantining after exposure to COVID-19, would appear at the hearing through video conference. 

In addition to Hahn and Redfield, Fauci and Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir will appear as witnesses during Tuesday’s hearing. 

CNN reported on Saturday that Fauci will begin a  “modified quarantine” after low risk contact with a White House staffer who tested positive for COVID-19. 

Tuesday’s hearing will allow administration officials to update senators regarding what federal, state and local governments are doing to help Americans get back to work and school amid the pandemic.