Gaetz tests negative for coronavirus

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) announced Tuesday that he tested negative for the novel coronavirus after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for the infection at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

“I’ve just been informed that my COVID-19 lab result was negative,” he tweeted. 

“In an abundance of caution, I will remain under self-quarantine at the advice of medical professionals through Thursday at 2pm. I continue to feel fine and show no symptoms.”

I’ve just been informed that my COVID-19 lab result was negative.

In an abundance of caution, I will remain under self-quarantine at the advice of medical professionals through Thursday at 2pm. I continue to feel fine and show no symptoms.

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 10, 2020

The Florida Republican said on Monday that he had interacted with the infected individual at CPAC and would self-quarantine. He flew on Air Force One on Monday and reportedly sat by himself at the back of the plane after learning of the contact.

“Congressman Gaetz had expected COVID-19 to impact Congress, given the elevated frequency of travel and human contact, and demonstrated his concern last week on the House Floor,” his office tweeted Monday. 

“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.”

Gaetz came under fire from Democrats for wearing a gas mask on the House floor last week during a vote on an $8.3 billion measure to fight coronavirus. 

In addition to Gaetz, Reps. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) all announced they would self-quarantine after potentially being exposed to the virus.