Christie tests positive for COVID-19 after helping Trump with debate preparation

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Saturday, making him the latest official in President Trump’s orbit to contract the virus.

“I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19. 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,” Christie tweeted. “I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition.”

I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19. 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.

— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) October 3, 2020

Christie was at the White House last Saturday for Trump’s announcement that he was nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. The ex-governor was spotted interacting closely with others in the Rose Garden without a mask.

In the week since, Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway have all tested positive for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. All five were also at the Rose Garden ceremony, which was followed by an indoor reception.

Christie also interacted closely with the president last week to assist with his preparation for the first presidential debate. That group included Conway, Hope Hicks, who has also tested positive, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Christie said the group did not wear masks and that nobody showed symptoms at the time.

The former governor is 58 and overweight. The latter puts him at a higher risk for having serious complications from the virus, though he did not disclose on Saturday whether he was experiencing any symptoms.