Ninth District Georgia Congressman Doug Collins on Monday announced he will self-quarantine at his home after coming into contact with a person who later tested positive for the coronavirus COVID-19.
The Georgia congressman from Hall County was exposed to the virus during the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland.
“This afternoon, I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for coronavirus,” Collins says. “While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine at my home for the remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution. I will follow the recommendations of the House Physician and my office will provide updates as appropriate.”
A photo is now circulating on national media showing Collins shaking hands with President Trump during his visit last week to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. The photo was taken after Collins’ COVID-19 exposure at CPAC.
The congressman’s decision to self-quarantine will temporarily take him off the campaign trail. He’s currently in a heated political battle for U.S. Senate against Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
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At least three other Republican lawmakers now are taking the precautionary measure. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) all announced 14-day self-quarantines after interacting with the individual at CPAC in Maryland.
