Florida Politics by Jacob Ogles
March 9, 2020
Coronavirus fears officially shut down business in the House as five members self-isolated and agreed to be tested for COVID-19.
But after medical professionals checked the individuals, it was quickly determined none met federal guidelines that would prompt such testing.
Concerns initially rose because three members of the House — Reps. Antony Sabatini, Cord Byrd and Thad Altman — attended the Conservative Political Action Conference, better known as CPAC.
None had direct contact with an attendee later diagnosed with the coronavirus. But after initially saying they would not self-quarantine, the lawmakers agreed to isolate themselves and await test results.
House leaders also realized two other lawmakers, Rep. Byron Donalds and House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee, attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference, where three attendees later tested positive for the coronavirus.