Gaetz becomes fourth GOP congressman to self-quarantine after possible coronavirus exposure at CPAC

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) became the latest member of Congress to announce that he will self-quarantine as a precautionary measure after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Gaetz, who traveled on Air Force One on Monday, is not currently experiencing symptoms, according to his office. The Florida Republican “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,” his office said.

The congressman last week tweeted a picture of himself wearing a gas mask on the House floor, which the House sergeant-at-arms asked him to remove in the chamber.

Gaetz’s office acknowledged the incident Monday, tweeting, “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 added that Gaetz’s Washington office will be closed during the quarantine period, while his Pensecola, Fla., office will be open.

Gaetz is the fourth Republican member of Congress to self-quarantine after making contact with the person in question, following Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Reps. Paul Gosar (Ariz.) and Doug Collins (Ga.).