Trump-allied Republican congressman wears gas mask for coronavirus vote

Stunt comes as House sends massive anti-virus spending bill to Senate, with Trump expected to sign it this week

Donald Trump ally Matt Gaetz, a GOP congressman, took the coronavirus matter into his own hands on Wednesday. He showed up to votes on a $8.3bn emergency spending package to counter the outbreak with some defensive gear in tow.

With over 100 confirmed US cases, the Florida representative walked onto the House floor wearing a gas mask. Presumably to guard against his colleagues spreading the virus right there in the ornate chamber.

Reporters on Capitol Hill tweeted photos of the masked member, who seemed to raise plenty of eyebrows.

Mr Gaetz is a close ally of Mr Trump and defended him vigorously during House Democrats' impeachment hearings.

Mr Trump has both tried selling the public that his administration is properly responding to the crisis and downplayed the threat to Americans.

The House passed the bill by a wide margin and sent it to the Senate, which should get it to Mr Trump's desk by week's end. He has said he will sign it into law.