Watch CBS News

CPAC Attendee Tests Positive For Coronavirus; Others May Be At 'Some Risk'

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- A person who attended the Conservative Political Action Conference in Prince George's County has a confirmed case of coronavirus, Gov. Larry Hogan's office said Saturday evening.

The New Jersey Department of Health notified the Maryland Department of Health that the person had attended CPAC between February 27 and March 1. Other attendees or workers "may be at some risk" of catching the virus, Hogan's office said.

CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

"Immediately after learning of this individual's interactions in our state, we began coordinating with the White House, the CDC and federal officials, the New Jersey Department of Health, Prince George's County officials, and conference organizers," the governor said in a statement. "Due to the scale of this conference, we are urging attendees who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to immediately reach out to their health care provider. We are providing this update not to unnecessarily raise alarm, but in the interest of full transparency and out of an abundance of caution."

President Donald Trump attended the conference during that timeframe, giving a speech on February 29.

The American Conservative Union, the organization that puts on CPAC, said the person "had no interaction with the President or Vice President and never attended the events in the main hall."

The person was exposed to COVID-19 prior to attending CPAC and is now being quarantined in New Jersey, the ACU said.

Earlier this weekend, health officials said two people who attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in Washington, D.C., also tested positive for COVID-19, though they did not show symptoms at the time and officials believe other attendees are not at risk.

In Maryland, 44 people have been tested for COVID-19; three people, all from Montgomery County, tested positive.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.