Kelly, who recently announced plans to retire in early 2022, tested positive after experiencing mild symptoms, Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King said. She said he tested negative "multiple'' times before the Wednesday hearing. He is fully vaccinated and received the booster earlier this year, she said.
"Gary is doing well and currently resting at home,'' King said via email, adding that Kelly received his positive test result on Thursday.
Kelly drew some criticism at the meeting for his comments about the effectiveness of mask wearing on planes. Masks are mandated on planes and in airports, and the federal policy was recently extended into March.
"I think the case is very strong that masks don't add much, if anything, in the air cabin environment," Kelly said during the hearing. "It is very safe and high-quality compared to any other indoor setting."
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Friday she expects the emerging omicron variant to become the dominant strain in the United States, similar to other countries.
"We are in the midst of a situation where we are now facing a very important delta surge and we are looking over our shoulder at an oncoming omicron surge," added Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser.
However, Walensky and Fauci, reassured those worried about upcoming holiday travel that vaccination plus boosters provide "optimum protection."
"We're in a very different place this year than we were last year and we really do want people to be able to gather and gather safely. We have the tools now to do it," Walensky said.
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