Second Republican lawmaker announces 'self-quarantine' after possible coronavirus exposure at CPAC

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) announced Sunday that he and several of his senior staff members are "officially under self-quarantine" after possibly being exposed to the coronavirus at CPAC last month.

The American Conservative Union, the organization that hosts CPAC, revealed Saturday that an individual who attended the event was confirmed to have coronavirus. The ACU did not reveal the identity of the person with the disease.

In a statement, Gosar said that he was with the person "for an extended period of time." However, he said that he is not experiencing symptoms related to coronavirus, but has chosen to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution.

I have been informed that during the CPAC conference members of my staff and I came into contact with an individual who has since tested positive for, and is hospitalized for, COVID-19. I was with the individual for an extended period of time, and we shook hands several times.

I am not currently experiencing any symptoms, nor is any member of my staff. However, in order to prevent any potential transmission, I will remain at my home in Arizona until the conclusion of the 14 day period following my interaction with this individual. Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, I am closing my office in Washington, D.C. for the week and my team will follow the previously approved Tele-commute plan.

As we learn more about COVID-19, it is imperative to heed the advice and guidance from the CDC and medical professionals. President Trump and Vice President Pence have assembled an incredible team and I have been in contact with the CDC and the House Office of the Attending Physician.

Gosar is the second member of Congress who is voluntarily under self-quarantine after possible exposure to coronavirus at CPAC.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) announced Sunday that he had also come into contact with the person who had coronavirus at CPAC. Like Gosar, Cruz said that he was not experiencing any symptoms, but would remain at his home in Texas until a full 14 days following his possible exposure.

The ACU said that President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence did not interact with the individual with coronavirus.

However, ACU chairman Matt Schlapp did interact with the infected person, as well as the president. But Schlapp said that the infected person did not attend the conference on the day that Trump was there.