Updated Mar 10, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Matt Gaetz tests negative for coronavirus after contact with confirmed patient

Ursula Perano

Rep. Matt Gaetz tested negative for the novel coronavirus after entering self-quarantine Monday due to contact with an individual at CPAC who was confirmed to have the illness.

Why it matters: Gaetz was traveling with President Trump on Air Force One about an hour before his office announced that he would go into self-quarantine.

Between the lines: Gaetz received pushback last week for wearing a gas mask on the floor of the House as Congress weighed emergency coronavirus funding. Many viewed the stunt as making light of the situation.

A citizen in Gaetz's Florida district died from the virus a few days later.

The big picture: Multiple members of Congress have self-quarantined after a CPAC attendee tested positive for COVID-19 last week. CPAC speakers included President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and various members of Congress were in attendance.

The American Conservative Union said in a statement: "This attendee had no interaction with the president or the vice president and never attended the events in the main hall."
The attendee is currently receiving medical care in New Jersey and under quarantine.

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Rep. Matt Gaetz tests negative for coronavirus after contact with confirmed patient

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