Gov. Ralph Northam and Virginia First Lady Pam Northam tested positive for the coronavirus Thursday, according to the governor’s office.
Both received PCR nasal swab tests Thursday afternoon – the governor and first lady were notified Wednesday night that a member of the governor’s official residence staff, who works closely within the couple’s living quarters, had developed symptoms and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.
The governor is experiencing no symptoms; the first lady is currently experiencing mild symptoms. Both remain in good spirits, according to the governor’s office.
Consistent with guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health, the couple will isolate for the next 10 days and evaluate their symptoms. The governor is in constant contact with his cabinet and staff and will fulfill his duties from the Executive Mansion.
“As I’ve been reminding Virginians throughout this crisis, COVID-19 is very real and very contagious,” Northam said in a prepared statement. “The safety and health of our staff and close contacts is of utmost importance to Pam and me, and we are working closely with the Department of Health to ensure that everyone is well taken care of. We are grateful for your thoughts and support, but the best thing you can do for us—and most importantly, for your fellow Virginians—is to take this seriously.”
The governor and first lady are working closely with VDH and the Richmond Heath Department to trace their close contacts.
The Executive Mansion and Patrick Henry office building will be closed for deep cleaning Friday morning. The work of the governor’s office continues remotely and uninterrupted, according to his office.
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