Ex-NJ Gov. Chris Christie Hospitalized After COVID-19 Diagnosis
NEW JERSEY – Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was hospitalized on Saturday after announcing that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
"In consultation with my doctors, I checked myself into Morristown Medical Center this afternoon," Christie said on Twitter.
Christie said he's feeling "good and only have mild symptoms," but he felt this was an "important precautionary measure" because of his history of asthma.
"I am thankful for our hardworking medical professionals and look forward to coming home soon," he said.
The former governor announced on Twitter that he tested positive for COVID-19, almost a week after attending an event at the White House where a number of attendees – including President Trump – later tested positive for the virus.
"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 said. "I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition."
Employees at ABC News, where Christie serves as an analyst, will also be tested and will be quarantined.
Breaking—a number of @ABC News staff w/ direct contact with Chris Christie, who was an ABC News debate pundit, must now go into quarantine. ABC executives are absolutely fuming that Christie’s “reckless behavior is risking the lives of ABC News employees."https://t.co/ZVmcSZE3J2
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 3, 2020
2) “Following his coronavirus diagnosis, some high-profile members of ABC News privately expressed additional anger at what had transpired, according to a person familiar with the matter.
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 3, 2020
3) “The decision for ABC News to include a Trump advisor as a paid analyst on air for the same debate for which he prepped the President was questionable," one high-profile ABC News on-air personality told CNN Business on the condition of anonymity.
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 3, 2020
4) “Now that same advisor's reckless behavior is risking the lives of ABC News employees. What was management thinking?"
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) October 3, 2020
President Trump will also be hospitalized for several days as he recovers from the coronavirus. Read more: President Trump Went To NJ Event After COVID-19 Exposure (UPDATE)
Christie's successor, Gov. Phil Murphy, wished the former governor well.
"Tammy and I continue to keep Governor Christie in our thoughts and prayers. We all know he is a fighter and wish him a full and speedy recovery," Murphy said in a statement.
Christie, a Republican who served as governor from 2010 to 2018, helped Trump prepare for the president's debate with former Vice President Joe Biden last week.
Christie also was seen hugging others at the White House ceremony for Trump's announcement nearly a week ago that Amy Coney Barrett has been nominated to the Supreme Court.
At least two US senators and several aides and reporters who were at that event – where few people wore masks – have since tested positive.
Chris Christie is among the unmasked dignitaries at the White House event.
— Hunter Walker (@hunterw) September 26, 2020
The event was widely criticized on social media. Christie was tested afterward, and was originally negative. The virus, however, can take at least several days to develop.
The Lady in Black at Amy Coney Barrett's "I Have Horrible Judgment" Party was hugged by Senator Mike Lee & Christie Both now positive.Her? Her husband? Their parents? Their housekeeper?Grocery clerk? The kids? Kids' teacher? NeighborsWear a mask pic.twitter.com/d7KhgehU2F
— ☇RiotWomenn☇ (@riotwomennn) October 3, 2020
Christie, a strong supporter of Trump's since he dropped out of the presidential race in 2016, has been critical of Gov. Phil Murphy's approach to the coronavirus. Christie has called on the governor to open up more of New Jersey's economy sooner and faster.
It's not immediately known what risks Christie may face, but the former governor has acknowledged issues with his weight, which also has been deemed as an underlying condition that could lead to coronavirus complications.
This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.
This article originally appeared on the Point Pleasant Patch
