WASHINGTON _ Sen. Ted Cruz is staying home in Texas this week as a precaution because he interacted at the Conservative Political Action Conference with an individual who later tested positive for the coronavirus.
"Last night, I was informed that 10 days ago at CPAC I briefly interacted with an individual who is currently symptomatic and has tested positive for COVID-19. That interaction consisted of a brief conversation and a handshake," Cruz said in a statement.
"I have consulted with medical authorities from the Houston Health Department, the Harris County Public Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as my personal physician," the Texas Republican said. "I have also spoken with Vice President Pence, Leader (Mitch) McConnell, and Mark Meadows."
Meadows, who was at CPAC the same day as Cruz, was announced Friday as the new White House chief of staff.
Cruz said that he was staying home out of an abundance of caution until 14 days have passed from his CPAC visit. He said the medical personnel gave no indication that he should self-quarantine.
"I'm not experiencing any symptoms, and I feel fine and healthy," Cruz said. "Given that the interaction was 10 days ago, that the average incubation period is five to six days, that the interaction was for less than a minute, and that I have no current symptoms, the medical authorities have advised me that the odds of transmission from the other individual to me were extremely low."
