Rep. Matt Gaetz to self-quarantine after coronavirus exposure at CPAC
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) announced Monday that he is among the Republicans self-quarantining after learning that he came into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus at last month’s Conservative Political Action Conference.
Congressman Gaetz was informed today that he came into contact with a CPAC attendee 11 days ago who tested positive for COVID-19.
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 9, 2020
While the Congressman is not experiencing symptoms, he received testing today and expects results soon.
Under doctor's usual precautionary recommendations, he'll remain self-quarantined until the 14-day period expires this week.— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 9, 2020
Gaetz joins Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and other Republicans in deciding to self-quarantine after finding out they interacted with an infected attendant at CPAC, an annual conference for conservatives.
Last week, Gaetz mocked coronavirus concerns by wearing a gas mask on the House floor just days before an infected man from his Florida district died. He tweeted Monday that he had merely “demonstrated his concern.”
Related: Rep. Matt Gaetz throughout his political career
Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote. pic.twitter.com/wjJ4YY4VZz
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 4, 2020
Gaetz was on board Air Force One with President Donald Trump shortly before revealing his situation.
As of Monday, there are more than 600 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. ― double the number from Friday. Twenty-six of those infected have died. There have been more than 100,000 cases worldwide, with the majority in mainland China.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
