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.
Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote. pic.twitter.com/wjJ4YY4VZz
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 4, 2020
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.
