Chris Christie condition unknown, remains hospitalised for Covid-19

‘The man is knocked back, but he’s not knocked down,’ says columnist Tom Moran

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie remains in hospital for the fourth straight day, after he admitted himself to the Morristown Medical Centre on Saturday, following a positive coronavirus test result.

On Saturday morning, Mr Christie tweeted that he had tested positive for coronavirus, and said: “I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition.”

The former governor tested positive for Covid-19 one day after Donald Trump, and was with the president to help with his debate prep two days before on the Tuesday.

Later on Saturday, Mr Christie announced via twitter that he was admitting himself to the medical centre as a “precautionary measure,” after suffering with “mild” symptoms.

He tweeted: “In consultation with my doctors, I checked myself into Morristown Medical Center this afternoon. While I am feeling good and only have mild symptoms, due to my history of asthma we decided this is an important precautionary measure.”

Mr Christie added: “I am thankful for our hardworking medical professionals and look forward to coming home soon.”

The 58-year-old has not tweeted since then and there has been no official update on his condition.

His lack of internet presence has not gone unnoticed, and on Monday, author Don Winslow asked his followers: “What is the status of Chris Christie and Bill Barr?” 

On Wednesday, journalist Chris Hayes asked his followers: “I know Chris Christie gave an interview the day after he was hospitalised but are there updates since? Is he doing OK?” as the former governor’s absence caused Twitter users to speculate about his condition.

The first updates about Mr Christie came on Monday from Tom Moran, a columnist for New Jersey based newspaper the Star Ledger, and from the state’s current governor, Phil Murphy, according to NJ.com.

The New Jersey governor said that he had brief “private communications” with Mr Christie on Monday, but confirmed that he was given “no insight” into his condition.

Mr Moran also claimed that he had spoken to the former governor for 10 minutes earlier on Monday.

He said that Mr Christie sounded “raspy,” but did not want to talk about his health or his treatment.

Mr Moran added that Mr Christie said that he was scared, due to his asthma and his weight, which both put him at higher risk of complications from the virus.

The columnist said: “So, for now, folks, let’s not worry too much. The man is knocked back, but he’s not knocked down."

On Wednesday, after rumours spread that Mr Christie was receiving treatment from a ventilator, Matt Katz, author of the book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption, denied this was true.

Mr Katz wrote: “@GovChristie is NOT on a ventilator. This is false info spreading on twitter. I’ve spoken to multiple people who’ve been on the phone with the governor daily after he was admitted to Morristown Medical Centre for testing Covid+.

“They say he’s in good spirits & getting good care.”