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Updated Mar 10, 2020 - Politics & Policy

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

Ursula Perano
Matt Gaetz
Rep. Matt Garth. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images.

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.

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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