Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie tests positive for coronavirus

Ex-Trump rival had helped president with debate preparations, he tells AP

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Mr Christie had been part of the team helping Donald Trump with debate preparation ahead of the Cleveland showdown with Democratic nominee Joe Biden earlier this week.

In a tweet on Saturday morning, Mr Christie wrote: “I just received word that I am positive for COVID-19. I want to thank all of my friends and colleagues who have reached out to ask how I was feeling in the last day or two. 

"I will be receiving medical attention today and will keep the necessary folks apprised of my condition.”

He did not say whether he had symptoms.

Mr Christie, a Trump rival during the 2016 election, told AP on Friday that the last time he was with the president was on Tuesday during preparations for his debate.

He had tweeted on Friday morning that he had last tested negative ahead of Tuesday’s debate and was not having any symptoms then.

He did not attend Mr Trump’s Bedminster fundraiser in New Jersey on Thursday.

Additional reporting by Associated Press