Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie admits he was wrong to not wear a mask at the White House, in a statement issued after seven days in intensive care with COVID-19.
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Christie, a Republican, was part of the team that helped Donald Trump prepare for the first presidential debate and one of a number people in Trump's inner circle who tested positive for coronavirus about the same time as the US president.
Christie said he has recovered but he should have followed health authorities' guidance and worn a mask during trips to the White House.
"I believed when I entered the White House grounds, that I had entered a safe zone, due to the testing that and I and many others underwent every day," he said on Thursday.
"I was wrong. I was wrong to not wear a mask at the Amy Coney Barrett announcement and I was wrong not to wear a mask at my multiple debate prep sessions with the president and the rest of the team."
Christie said he hoped his experience showed Americans they should follow health guidelines in public, including wearing a mask "no matter where you are".
His statement appeared to contradict Trump's messaging on the virus. The president has argued that people should not be afraid of COVID-19 and has expressed scepticism about masks and social distancing.
Australian Associated Press
