Chris Christie admitted to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, hours after he announced he had tested positive for COVID-19. "While I am feeling good and only have mild symptoms, due to my history of asthma we decided this is an important precautionary measure," Christie tweeted. "I am thankful for our hardworking medical professionals and look forward to coming home soon."
"I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19," Christie tweeted on Saturday. "I want to thank all of my friends and colleagues who have reached out to ask how I was feeling in the last day or two. I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition."
Christie notably helped Mr. Trump with debate preparation, spending hours with him over several days leading up to the first presidential debate on Tuesday.
Christie helped President Trump with debate prep ahead of Tuesday's debate, and then provided analysis for ABC News. Members of ABC News staff who came in close contact with him were asked to self-isolate.
The former New Jersey governor is now at least the eighth person to test positive for COVID-19 after attending a Rose Garden event on September 26 where President Trump announced the nomination of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
Several people close to the president have now tested positive for the coronavirus, including longtime aide Hope Hicks, senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, GOP chair Ronna McDaniel, first lady Melania Trump, and campaign manager Bill Stepien. Senators Thom Tillis and Mike Lee, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have also tested positive.
At least 8 people tested positive within a week after attending the Rose Garden ceremony — where few people wore face masks and social distancing was not practiced. COVID-19 symptoms typically take several days to appear after coronavirus exposure.
Mr. Trump is currently receiving treatment for COVID-19 at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after revealing late Thursday that he had tested positive for the virus. The first lady has not been admitted for treatment.