Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the justices were set to return to the courtroom to begin a new term, the court announced October 1, 2021. This is a breakthrough case since all Supreme Court justices have been vaccinated since January 2021. He is not experiencing any symptoms.
He was informed on September 30, 2021 ahead of a ceremonial swearing-in for Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett set for on October 1, 2021. Court officials said Kavanaugh, 56, would not attend Barrett’s investiture ceremony. Kavanaugh will participate in next week’s oral arguments remotely from home.
The Supreme Court announced in September 2021 that it would conduct oral arguments in person starting October 4, 2021 after more than a year in which COVID-19 forced them to debate their docket virtually. The return to the courtroom will be limited to the justices, attorneys and journalists as the court’s building remains closed to the public.
Amy Coney Barrett tested positive for COVID-19 last year before she was confirmed, The Washington Post reported at the time.
Kavanaugh underwent a contentious confirmation process in which a a handful of women accused him of sexual misconduct despite his fervent denials. Comedian Steve Hofstetter apparently alluded to the Kavanaugh accusers, saying the justice “has no problem with something entering someone’s body without their permission.”
