Chris Christie checks into hospital after testing positive

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who tested positive for the coronavirus early Saturday, checked himself into a hospital hours later as a precautionary measure because of his history with asthma.

“In consultation with my doctors, I checked myself into Morristown Medical Center this afternoon,” Christie tweeted. “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, 58, told CNN by telephone from the hospital that his breathing is fine. He said that after being admitted, he started a course of remdesivir, an antiviral medication often used to treat COVID-19.

Christie’s positive result follows that of former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, University of Notre Dame President John Jenkins, and at least two Republican lawmakers — Utah Sen. Mike Lee and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis.

Christie, who has long struggled with his weight, had a gastric band surgery in early 2013, NJ.com reported. Christie also suffers from chronic asthma and was hospitalized for a serious asthma attack during his first term, the website reported.

Christie spent four days with Donald Trump before the president’s first debate against former Vice President Joe Biden and did not wear a mask during the preparation sessions, NJ.com reported. Christie was joined on the debate preparation by Conway, campaign manager Bill Stepien and Hope Hicks; all have tested positive for the virus, WNBC reported. Another member of the team, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, tested negative Friday, the television station reported.

Christie also attended the Rose Garden ceremony last Saturday when Trump formally nominated Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

Cox Media Group