Rep. Mark Meadows tests negative for COVID-19 but will self-quarantine as precaution
U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, who was named President Trump’s new chief of staff Friday, has tested negative for the coronavirus but will quarantine himself for 14 days “out of an abundance of caution,” his spokesman said Monday.
Meadows, a Republican who represents far-western North Carolina, was tested over the weekend after coming into contact with a person at the Conservative Political Action Conference who tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by coronavirus, said Ben Williamson, Meadows’ chief of staff, in a tweet Monday night.
“Mark Meadows was advised this weekend that now 12 days prior at CPAC, he may have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive test individual. A precautionary test came back negative & he feels great. He’ll be self-quarantined till the 14 day period passes Wednesday,” the tweet said.
Meadows sent a text message to The News & Observer Monday night, saying he is in Washington.
“I am really fine,” he said in the text.
Meadows, 60, will replace acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney. Meadows announced in December that he would not seek a fifth term in office.
While the timing of Meadows’ move to the White House might have been unexpected, he has been considered for the chief of staff job at other points during Trump’s tenure, The News & Observer previously reported. He will be Trump’s fourth chief of staff.
U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, a Greensboro Republican, was scheduled to speak at CPAC, like Meadows. Meadows’ wife, Debbie, was also listed as a scheduled speaker. Walker was unable to attend the event, said Jack Minor, his chief of staff. Walker did not come into contact with the person who tested positive and does not plan to self-quarantine, Minor said in an email.
Exposure to coronavirus at CPAC
Other members of Congress came into contact with the person who contracted COVID-19, The Associated Press reports, and “remain in good health,” according to the Capitol’s attending physician.
The person tested positive at a New Jersey hospital after the conference was held Feb. 26-29, in National Harbor, Maryland, not far from Washington, The Hill reports.
“Self-quarantine” differs from isolation. Self-quarantine is for people who may have been exposed to the virus but aren’t exhibiting any symptoms, McClatchy reports. They are asked to remain at home for a set period of time to monitor their health. Isolation is for people who have tested positive for the virus.
On Sunday, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Paul Gosar said they are isolating themselves after determining they had contact with the person at the conference, The AP reports.
Monday, Georgia Rep. Doug Collins and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida also said they would quarantine themselves, CNN reports.
Vice President Mike Pence and Trump also spoke at the CPAC event. Pence said in a press conference at the White House Monday night that he has not been tested for the virus. Trump has not been tested, either, the AP reported.
Seven cases of COVID-19 have been reported in North Carolina: six in Wake County and one in Chatham County.
This story was originally published March 9, 2020 at 9:36 PM with the headline "Rep. Mark Meadows tests negative for COVID-19 but will self-quarantine as precaution."