Earlier, Pence said there was "no reason to believe" he or his wife were exposed to the virus. But he said he will get tested because of his sensitive role in the Trump administration.

Pence made the comments at a Saturday afternoon press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic alongside President Donald Trump.

"We've done all contact tracing and while the White House doctor has indicated that he has no reason to believe that I was exposed and no need to be tested, given the unique position that I have as vice president and as the leader of the White House coronavirus task force, both I and my wife will be tested for the coronavirus later this afternoon," Pence said.

The White House learned on Friday that a member of Pence's staff had tested positive for the coronavirus. Pence said the staffer "had mild cold-like symptoms" for about a day and a half but is "doing well."

"He has not been to the White House since Monday," Pence added. "Neither the president nor I had direct contact with that staff person."

Trump took a test for the coronavirus last week, which the White House said was negative.