U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz is voluntarily self-quarantining after he came into contact with a person at the Conservative Political Action Conference who has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Gaetz's official congressional Twitter account confirmed the news Monday afternoon, tweeting that Gaetz made contact with the individual 11 days ago at the convention. CPAC took place Feb. 26 through Feb. 29 in Maryland.

"Congressman Gaetz had expected COVID-19 to impact Congress, given the elevated frequency of travel and human contact, and demonstrated his concern last week on the House floor," the Twitter post read.

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Gaetz, the Republican congressman from Northwest Florida, was accused of making light of the coronavirus outbreak last week when he wore a gas mask on the House floor as he and other lawmakers voted to approve $8.3 billion to combat the illness.

Gaetz denied he was making light of the situation after a Santa Rosa County man succumbed to the disease this past weekend.

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"Made light?!?! I was quite serious," Gaetz tweeted Sunday in response to a Washington Post story claiming he was making light of the situation. "The threat to Congress is real, as I explained based on travel and habits like selfies and handshakes."

Gaetz is not experiencing any symptoms related to the coronavirus, according to the statement on his Twitter account, but will voluntarily self-quarantine until the 14-day incubation period expires this week.

Gaetz's account said his Washington office will be closed this week, but its Pensacola office will remain open.

Gaetz did not respond to a call or text message seeking comment Monday.

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According to White House press pool reports, Gaetz joined President Donald Trump on Air Force One on Monday for a private fundraiser in Seminole County just hours before announcing he would be self-quarantining due to the coronavirus exposure.

Sen. Ted Cruz and Reps. Paul Gosar and Doug Collins have also voluntarily self-quarantined after learning they came into contact with the same individual at CPAC.

Cruz said in a statement that he notified Vice President Mike Pence, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the president's new chief of staff, Rep. Mark Meadows, all high profile figures who also attended the annual conference.

Gaetz spoke at the CPAC conference to announce that he would no longer be accepting donations from political action committees.

Annie Blanks can be reached at ablanks@pnj.com or 850-435-8632.