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Chris Christie hospitalized after he tests positive for COVID-19

Dustin Racioppi
Trenton Bureau

Former Gov. Chris Christie was hospitalized "as a precautionary measure" after testing positive for COVID-19, he announced on Twitter on Saturday. 

"In consultation with my doctors, I checked myself into Morristown Medical Center this afternoon," tweeted Christie, whose primary residence is in Mendham Township. "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's admission to the hospital came several hours after announcing through Twitter that he had the virus.

"I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19," Christie wrote. "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."

Christie did not respond to a message seeking comment Saturday. He had said Friday as he awaited results that he planned to quarantine at home for two weeks but was feeling "fine" and showed no symptoms. 

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Christie, 58, had been with President Donald Trump for several days last week helping him prepare for the first presidential debate against Democratic challenger and former Vice President Joe Biden, who has tested negative for the coronavirus. Christie said "no one was wearing masks" during the sessions.

Christie said he had been tested every day he was with the president and his last test on Tuesday returned negative. But he was with Trump later that day and, given the president's positive results early Friday, Christie decided to get another test. 

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Christie was also one of the roughly 200 participants at a Sept. 26 gathering at the White House to announce the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court that is considered a possible "super spreader event." Like most other attendees, Christie was not wearing a mask and was seen on video greeting a woman with a hug. 

Several other people who were at the ceremony have tested positive: Kellyanne Conway, the New Jersey native and former White House counselor; Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah; Thom Tillis of North Carolina; and the Rev. John Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame.

Bill Stepien, Christie's former gubernatorial campaign manager now running Trump's re-election bid, also tested positive for the virus. 

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani listen while President Donald Trump speaks during a briefing at the White House in Washington, Sept. 27, 2020.

Christie's Democratic successor, Gov. Phil Murphy, sent his best on Twitter

"Tammy and I wish @GovChristie a full and speedy recovery. He and Mary Pat are in our prayers. #JerseyStrong," Murphy said. 

After Christie went to the hospital, Murphy sent another message saying Christie was in his thoughts and prayers.

"We all know he is a fighter," Murphy said. 

In addition to asthma, Christie has dealt publicly with his weight. In 2011 he was hospitalized for an asthma attack "out of an abundance of caution." Two years later he underwent lap-band surgery, which helped him lose an unknown amount of weight. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list asthma and obesity as risk factors for severe illness in COVID-19 patients. 

Christie thanked "our hardworking medical professionals" said he looks forward to "coming home soon." 

Trump, who is 74 and clinically obese, is at high risk but his doctor said Saturday that he was doing "very well." However, a source told a White House pool reporter, as reported by USA TODAY, that his vital signs in the past 24 hours were "very concerning" and "we’re still not on a clear path to a full recovery.”

Dustin Racioppi is a reporter in the New Jersey Statehouse. For unlimited access to his work covering New Jersey’s governor and political power structure, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: racioppi@northjersey.com Twitter: @dracioppi