Mike Pompeo quarantines for contact with someone with COVID - after bailing on his indoor Christmas party along with most of its guests

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has come into contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus and will be quarantining although he has tested negative, the State Department said on Wednesday.

'Secretary Pompeo has been identified as having come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. For reasons of privacy we can´t identify that individual,' a spokesperson said.

'The secretary has been tested and is negative. In accordance with CDC guidelines, he will be in quarantine. He is being closely monitored by the department´s medical team.'

The announcement meant he did not go to the White House for a cabinet meeting held by Donald Trump, and came the morning after he failed ti turn up for his own Christmas party.

Fewer than 70 people showed up to the  indoor Christmas party after Pompeo invited 900 people.

The event, hosted by the Secretary of State and his wife Susan at the State Department, was avoided by the majority of invitees after the celebrations prompted an outcry from public health officials. 

Current restrictions in Washington D.C. limits indoor gatherings to fewer than 10 people amid the rising number of coronavirus cases. 

Fewer than 70 people showed up to Mike Pompeo's indoor Christmas party after he invited 900 people. He is pictured above at the 2019 Holiday Reception in Honor of Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions

Public health officials and lawmakers warned that the party could be a 'superspreader event', two U.S. officials told The Washington Post. About 70 people sent an RSVP for the event but even fewer attended as a result. 

Two invitees said the celebration put the guests as well as staff at risk of contracting coronavirus, which has killed more than 310,000 people across the U.S. 

One woman, who is married to a diplomat serving abroad, declined to attend because if she got sick her children would have no one to care for them. 

'It was a completely irresponsible party to throw,' she said. 

Pompeo, who was supposed speak at the celebration, cancelled his speech, the officials said. He instead brought in a substitute speaker. 

It is not known whether the decision to cancel the speech was due to the health concerns surrounding the massive indoor reception. 

The party was for the family members of diplomats serving overseas who stay at home whilst their loved ones are posted abroad. 

A Santa wearing a face mask was at the event to speak to the guests and refreshments including drinks and boxed meals were available, the officials said. 

A spokesman said officials 'plan to fully enforce social distancing measures at this reception, and face coverings are mandatory for admittance.'

But photos of the festivities showed guests removing their masks to eat food at their tables.  

The event comes as the White House has hosted a series of holiday celebrations despite warnings against large gatherings. 

Pompeo (pictured in 2019) reportedly sent out invitiations to 900 guests for the 'Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays' event

Mask-free event: The White House hosted its second indoor Christmas party in just two days despite health officials' warnings against large gatherings on December 1

President Trump and first lady Melania hosted an indoor Christmas party on December 2, the day after another festive event. 

Photos shared on social media showed guests dressed in evening gowns and formal attire with few wearing face masks.     

In one photo, a group of 11 maskless attendees were seen huddling closely together as they posed for the camera. 

Similar scenes had unfolded on December 1 when the White House kicked off its holiday season with a reception, where dozens of guests were seen crowding together without masks. 

Senior Democrats criticised the events earlier this month and called on Pompeo to cancel the event for diplomats as it posed a 'significant health risk'. 

Wednesday night's event appeared to draw more prominent guests with country stars Kid Rock and Zac Brown among the attendees, according to social media photos

 Photos shared on social media showed guests dressed in evening gowns and formal attire

'I am concerned that these parties pose a significant health risk, not only to attendees, but to the employees and workers who must staff these events, as well as to State Department employees who may feel pressured to attend,' said Senator Robert Menendez. 

In a statement released on December 4, the American Foreign Service Association pleaded with the State Department to cancel the festive events amid the rising number of cases of coronavirus in the country. 

'Celebrating the season by spending time with friends, colleagues and family is a time-honored tradition, but this year has to be different due to the pandemic,' the association said. 

'The Department's leadership has urged embassies and consulates around the world to host only virtual holiday gatherings this year. 

'It is therefore disconcerting to hear of these plans, which not only go against the Department's own guidelines but also health regulations in Washington, D.C. and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

'We urge the Department to reverse course and model responsible behavior in accordance with its own guidelines.'