GOP lawmakers to self-quarantine after possible Coronavirus exposure

The Coronavirus scare touched the Congress on Sunday as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) announced that they had direct contact with an individual who has been diagnosed with the virus, as lawmakers said even though they have shown no symptoms, they would voluntarily self-quarantine and stay away from the halls of Congress this week.

"Last night, I was informed that 10 days ago at CPAC I briefly interacted with an individual who is currently symptomatic and has tested positive for COVID-19," Cruz said in a statement. "That interaction consisted of a brief conversation and a handshake."

Cruz said he had consulted with a variety of medical experts, who told him there was no reason for him to self-quarantine.

"Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, and because of how frequently I interact with my constituents as a part of my job and to give everyone peace of mind, I have decided to remain at my home in Texas this week, until a full 14 days have passed since the CPAC interaction," Cruz added.

Gosar issued a similar statement, but went one step further - not only will he stay back in Arizona this week, but he will close down his Capitol Hill office.

“I am closing my office in Washington, D.C. for the week and my team will follow the previously approved Tele-commute plan," said Gosar in a written statement.

The infected person who attended CPAC - who has not yet been identified - also had contact with Matt Schlapp, who introduced President Donald Trump for his speech to the group.

It wasn't immediately clear how many other people may have been in contact with that person - as the CPAC gathering was attended by a number of GOP lawmakers, conservative media, Trump Administration officials, and others involved in Republican politics.

Reports have indicated the person does not live in Washington, but instead is from New Jersey.

"The Maryland Department if Health has responded to our Gaylord Hotel corona situation w speed and skill," said Matt Schlapp, the head of CPAC, who also interacted with the person who has the Coronavirus.

"I have consistently said that I had incidental contact w this attendee but have no symptoms," Schlapp tweeted on Sunday. "We have Zero new cases."